Orchestral Odyssey Plumbs the Depths of the Warner

Saturday, Nov. 4

Predicated on the rumble of an organ and a thunder-boom of brass, German Romantic composer Richard Strauss' "Also sprach Zarathustra" is one of the most famous and easily recognizable tone poems ever created.

Not ringing a bell yet? Just think about that big, unforgettable, iconic refrain from Stanley Kubrick's Earth-shaking film 2001: A Space Odyssey (if you've seen it, you'll know what we mean).

Got it now? Good. Sticks in your head, doesn't it?

With that, you have a little taste of what the Erie Philharmonic is bringing to the illustrious Warner Theatre's stage as it continues its journey into the heart of its 2017-18 season.

And the Phil's presentation of "Zarathustra" — Strauss' sonic interpretation of one of German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche's most famous works — won't be the only lofty work on display that night.

That performance will close the event. It'll be an evening full of musical drama leading up to that finish, opening with Estonian Arvo Part's "Fratres" — "a striking example," according to the Phil, "of how rich and spiritual music can evolve out of humble ingredients."

There will also be the Erie Phil debut of cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan, a Tchaikovsky Competition winner who will present Shostakovitch's on-fire Cello Concerto No. 1.

Stellar work, Erie Philharmonic.

— Ryan Smith

8 to 10 p.m. // 811 State St. // $20-$52 // eriephil.org/calendar or 455-1375