The MSO's two-week festival of Brahms continues, and through these two works they delve deeper into the personal life of this great composer.

With his first symphony, Brahms had finally stepped out of the shadow of Beethoven, who he respected as his predecessor while fearing he would never be good enough to follow. But he was indeed good enough – and his Symphony No.2 is one of four works that proved it. It carries the pastoral feel of the Austrian summer in which Brahms wrote the music, and while he belittled its success to his friends, you will hear nothing but a remarkable composition.

Pianist Denis Kozhukhin continues his role as soloist for Brahms’ Piano Concerto No.2, picking up where he left off in the first event of the festival. Be sure to catch him in this event, because for the MSO's third concert of the festival, they'll be presenting two Brahms symphonies played back to back!