INDIANAPOLIS — Accompanied by conductor Christian Reif, Principal Oboe Jennifer Christen performs Strauss’ Oboe Concerto with its lyrical, soaring lines and bold harmonic shifts.
The debut of Augusta Read Thomas’ Sun Dance, commissioned by the ISO, sets the stage for Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Sixth Symphony, an expression of nature and peace of the soul. Ms. Thomas will be part of “Words on Music”—a discussion about the concert and her piece – on February 17 beginning at 7:10 in the theatre. Admission to “Words on Music” is included in the ticket price.
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Performances begin at 8 p.m. Friday, February 17, and at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, February 18.
For more information regarding the policies of the Hilbert Circle Theatre, please visit the ISO website.
About Christian Reif
German conductor Christian Reif has quickly established a reputation for his natural musicality, innovative programming, and technical command. He is the Music Director of the Lakes Area Music Festival in Minnesota, a month-long summer festival committed to commissioning new works and to giving free concerts for the community with programming that ranges from opera and chamber music to symphonic performances. San Francisco Chronicle has written: “Reif is a remarkable talent . . . a conductor of considerable stature . . . a significant musical artist.”
Reif’s 2022–23 season highlights include appearances with the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, MünchnerRundfunkorchester, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, SWR Symphonieorchester, Gävle Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony, Colorado Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, Münchner Symphoniker, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the Hallé Orchestra. In Summer of 2023, he leads concerts at the Enescu Festival, Grand Teton Music Festival, and the World Youth Symphony Orchestra at Interlochen. He will be conducting his own arrangement of John Adams’ El Niño at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC with the American Modern Opera Company. Read more about Christian Reif.
About Jennifer Christen
Jennifer Christen, a Buffalo, NY native is the Principal Oboist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. She has performed as Guest Principal Oboe with the Pittsburgh, Detroit, Baltimore and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestras and as Guest English Horn with the Atlanta Symphony. Ms. Christen studied at the Juilliard School with John Mack, Nathan Hughes and Elaine Douvas. Before her time in Indianapolis, Ms. Christen spent a year in Miami Beach with the New World Symphony under Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas.
She has also spent several summers with the Verbier Festival Orchestra in Switzerland, where she met her husband. As a teacher, Ms. Christen has had the pleasure of working with students at the Verbier Music Camp, Indiana University Summer Music Clinic, Indiana University Med Orchestra, and with the students of the New World Symphony in Indianapolis. She enjoys traveling, having good coffee, exploring local food, and running. She has an identical twin sister who plays the flute.
About the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at home and thriving in the heart of Indianapolis, offers an exceptional artistic and musical experience. The orchestra is open to all and dedicated to creating an inclusive and innovative experiential environment that is inspiring, educational, and welcoming. The ISO celebrates historically beloved performances while engaging audiences by introducing new voices through programming including the DeHaan Classical Series, the Printing Partners Pops Series, the holiday traditions of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration and the popular Film Series presented by Bank of America. For more information, visit the ISO website.
