Sure, it’s a drive from Los Angeles to the Coachella Valley, but the enthusiastic community of lovers and the star-level concerts presented by the Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic are worth it! I have the pleasure of introducing what promises to be an astounding performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and their Music Director Emeritus for Life, Riccardo Muti. The program—Brahms Symphony No. 4, Stravinsky’s Divertimento from Le baiser de la fée, and Ravel’s Bolero—is made for showing off orchestral color and pleasing audiences.

My preconcert lecture will look at how composers borrow ideas and elements from the past and sources outside their immediate cultural context.