Virtuoso Visionaries
Demarre McGill, flute
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 8pm
Center for the Arts at George Mason University
Christopher Zimmerman, conductor
PROGRAM
Mozart: Flute Concerto No. 2
Leshnoff: Flute Concerto No. 2 (World Premiere)
—Demarre McGill, flute
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 “Italian”
One of the most sought-after flutists of his generation, Demarre McGill, Principal Flute of the Seattle Symphony, brings his rich, expressive tone to Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 2, followed by the highly anticipated World Premiere of Jonathan Leshnoff’s Flute Concerto No. 2—a powerful new work written to showcase McGill’s expressive depth and virtuosic command.
The evening concludes with the radiant Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 “Italian,” inspired by his travels through Italy and brimming with energy and exuberant rhythms. As the composer wrote, “the whole country had such a festive air that I felt as if I were a young prince making his entry... this will be the happiest piece I have ever written.”
“From his first notes, the effect was astonishing. It was the tone he drew from his instrument which caught the ear first, and continued to throughout the performance. Totally clean, liquid, mellifluous—i.e., honeyed—in the best sense of the word, rounded and beautiful, it beckoned you in.” (The Sunbreak)
“From his first notes, the effect was astonishing.”
PRE-CONCERT DISCUSSION - 7PM
Hear the stories behind the music with music director Christopher Zimmerman and Demarre McGill. Located on the Concert Hall stage.
The 25-26 FSO Season is made possible in part with generous support from
