Season Concert 2Romantic Reflections

Sunday, January 18, 2026 3:00 pm

Penn State Recital Hall

time icon54 minutes, including intermission

Our storytelling season continues with performances of Coleridge-Taylor’s Noveletten Nos. 2 and 3, as well as Saint Saëns’s dazzling Piano Concerto No. 2 featuring Katherine Benson. We conclude with Brahms’s majestic Haydn variations. A thrilling blend of elegance, virtuosity, and orchestral brilliance awaits!

Concert Facts:

#1

Coleridge-Taylor composed his Four Noveletten at age 27, in 1902. Novelette No. 2 contrasts two dance-like sections, one in duple and one triple in an overall ABA form, while No. 3 features a solo violin, reflecting Coleridge-Taylor's passion for his own instrument.

#2

Saint-Saëns's Piano Concerto No. 2 was composed in 17 days! Anton Rubinstein was in Paris for a series of concerts in 1868 when he floated the idea of conducting a program with Saint-Saëns as the soloist. With only 3 weeks to turn this scheme into reality, Saint-Saëns was left with a mere 4 days to learn and memorize the solo part, and to rehearse with the orchestra. 

#3

Brahms's Haydn Variations was originally composed for two pianos—premiered by Brahms and Clara Schumann in Bonn—but scored later for orchestra by the composer. The theme itself is known as the "Saint Anthony Chorale"; Brahms found the melody in a collection of Haydn's wind partitas. That said, there's a bit of a mystery as to who wrote the theme, for in the nineteenth century publishers often attributed works by lesser-known composers to more famous composers as a means to increase sales. Thus, it remains unknown as to whether or not this theme was originally composed by Haydn; some sources suggest it was written by Iganz Pleyel, but this has not been definitively proven. 

  • Parking
    Nittany Deck

    The Penn State Recital Hall is located near the northwest corner of the campus, and visitor parking is available at the Nittany Parking Deck for an hourly rate. ALL SURFACE LOTS ON THE UNIVERSITY PARK CAMPUS ARE RESERVED. Please use one of the parking decks designated for visitors.

    Patrons with mobility impairments may be dropped off in front of the Music Buildings at Allen Road. Handicap-accessible parking spaces are available in the Nittany deck. State-issued disability parking placards are required for access to the handicap-accessible parking spaces.

    For information regarding parking during the day, campus maps, one-day visitor parking passes, and change for parking meters, please visit any of the parking kiosks on campus.

    Smoking is not permitted in any of the School of Music facilities.

    Food and beverages are not permitted in the audience seating area.


Bonafidephoto Paco British ImageBonafidephoto Paco Discover Image 5

Program

  • Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Novelette No. 2
  • C. Saint-SaënsPiano Concerto No. 2
  • Samuel Coleridge-TaylorNovelette No. 3
  • Johannes BrahmsVariations on a Theme by Haydn

Artists

Bonafidephoto Paco Discover Image 8

The Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra

Orchestra

Bonafidephoto 338

Gerardo Edelstein

Music Director

Unnamed 1

Katherine Benson

Plan Your Visit

Parking

Parking & Venue

Everything you need to know aboutdirections, parking, and getting to yourseats to enjoy the performance!

Venues & Parking
Experience Happy Valley

Experience Happy Valley

Discover the wonders of Happy Valley! Explore hotels, restaurants, and exciting local activities to do during your stay. We have your guide to help make the most out of your Happy Valley experience.

Experience Happy Valley
Expect

What To Expect

Questions about what to expect at the concert hall? Wondering what to wear? Check out our Guide to The Orchestra to plan your visit and have a transformative concert experience!

What to Expect