Grammy-Winning Pianist Michelle Cann Brings Virtuosity to Princeton Symphony Orchestra This February

This February, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra will welcome one of the most dynamic and versatile pianists performing today. Two-time GRAMMY Award winner Michelle Cann, widely recognized for her advocacy of Florence Price’s works and her mastery across a broad repertoire, will take center stage in Richardson Auditorium for two performances on February 7 and 8. Audiences can anticipate a program that fuses mid-Romantic brilliance with contemporary innovation, showcasing Cann’s signature depth of interpretation and technical command.

Cann will perform Edvard Grieg’s iconic Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16, a work renowned for its dramatic sweep and lyrical melodies. The concerto remains one of the pillars of Romantic piano literature, demanding both expressive nuance and virtuosic agility. Cann’s engagement with this repertoire promises to illuminate the concerto in ways that honor its historical significance while highlighting her own distinctive voice. Critics have consistently praised her ability to balance power and sensitivity, bringing the score alive with vibrant phrasing and intricate detail.

The evening will also feature Jessie Montgomery’s Records from a Vanishing City, a contemporary work by the 2024 GRAMMY® recipient. Montgomery’s music blends classical tradition with elements of jazz, folk, and urban soundscapes, offering a modern narrative that resonates with today’s audiences. Cann’s presence on the program provides a compelling bridge between eras, demonstrating her versatility in both historical and contemporary contexts. The juxtaposition of Grieg’s lush Romanticism and Montgomery’s dynamic modernity underscores the PSO’s commitment to presenting programs that are intellectually stimulating and musically exhilarating.

Rounding out the program, conductor Kenneth T. Bean will lead the orchestra in Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36. Beethoven’s second symphony, composed during a period of personal upheaval, captures both optimism and experimentation, offering musicians and audiences alike a chance to explore the early Romantic spirit in its full orchestral scope. Bean’s direction, coupled with the ensemble’s precise articulation, ensures that each movement resonates with clarity, energy, and emotional weight, making this concert experience deeply immersive.

These performances not only highlight Michelle Cann’s extraordinary artistry but also reflect the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s ongoing dedication to presenting diverse programming that balances established masterpieces with contemporary voices. For classical music enthusiasts, these concerts offer a rare opportunity to witness a performer equally at home in Romantic piano literature and modern, socially conscious works. Cann’s interpretive insight, combined with the PSO’s rich orchestral palette, promises an unforgettable musical journey.

Patrons attending the Richardson Auditorium shows will also notice the broader cultural significance of Cann’s work. Her dedication to amplifying underrepresented composers, particularly African American women like Florence Price, adds a layer of historical and social awareness to the evening’s program. This performance becomes more than a musical event—it is a celebration of artistry, heritage, and the evolving narrative of classical music in America.

For those planning a cultural outing in New Jersey, this engagement with Michelle Cann is not only an opportunity to hear world-class performance but also a chance to connect with the vibrant classical music scene thriving across the state. Music lovers can explore other regional offerings and deepen their appreciation for live performance through Explore New Jersey’s music section, where local concerts, artist spotlights, and event listings showcase the richness of the state’s artistic community.

As February approaches, tickets for the Princeton Symphony Orchestra performances featuring Michelle Cann are expected to move quickly. Whether drawn by the Romantic grandeur of Grieg, the contemporary textures of Montgomery, or the timeless brilliance of Beethoven, attendees can expect a night of artistry, inspiration, and musical excellence that will resonate long after the final note. This February, Princeton becomes a destination for those eager to experience the interplay of tradition and innovation at the highest level of performance.