Eternal Rome
January 30, 2027 - 3 PM
Moorings Presbyterian Church
Love Remembered. Empire Awakened
A sweeping musical journey through Rome—its passion, poetry, and power. From Puccini’s youthful lyricism and Chopin’s romantic elegance to the monumental grandeur of Respighi’s Pines of Rome, this concert evokes love remembered, history imagined, and empire ascending.
Our Soloist: Zach Cheong
Zach Cheong is an award-winning concert pianist from Macau and Hong Kong, a Steinway Young Artist whose performances have earned international acclaim across Asia, Europe, and North America. Praised for his “poetic touch and commanding artistry,” (South China Morning Post), he is a graduate of both the Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School. A first-prize winner of the International Chopin Piano Competition in Japan, he has appeared as soloist with the Trondheim Soloists, OJEUM Orchestra Mexico City, and the Macao Orchestra.
Giacomo Puccini:
Capriccio Sinfonico
Written while Puccini was still a student, Capriccio sinfonico already reveals the melodic richness and emotional immediacy that would later define his operas. Sweeping themes, glowing orchestration, and moments of dramatic contrast make this an engaging and expressive concert opener.
Duration: 16'
Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1
Chopin’s piano concertos place the piano at the heart of a deeply expressive musical world. Balancing noble grandeur with moments of delicate introspection, the concerto unfolds as a dialogue between soloist and orchestra, rich in melody and emotional nuance.
Duration: 43'
Intermission
Ottorino Respighi – Pines of Rome (Pini di Roma)
In Pines of Rome, Respighi transforms the landscape of Rome into sound. Lush orchestration and vivid imagery guide the listener through scenes of joy, contemplation, and triumph, culminating in one of the most powerful conclusions in orchestral music.
Duration: 23'
2027 Season Pass
You may purchase a standard Season Pass for $160, which includes admission to all concerts in the 2027 season. For those who wish to provide additional support to the Naples Community Orchestra, become a Gold ($1,000), Silver ($750), or Bronze ($500) Season Pass Donor, which combine full-season access with a tax-deductible contribution that helps sustain our musicians, performances, and future seasons.
Option #1:
For $160, you can enjoy all 4 concerts in 2027.
