British music has always held a special place in the hearts of the American people. For our opening night concert we will travel across the pond to bring you music written for and inspired by royal and aristocratic life. Sir Edward Elgar’s noble, dignified and emotional music is a characteristically English voice. His masterwork of the cello repertoire, the Cello Concerto in E Minor, will be performed by Cincinnati native Coleman Itzkoff who has been praised by The New Yorker for his “flawless technique and keen musicality.” The soaring soundtrack to the award-winning PBS television drama Downton Abbey will set the stage for our grand finale, Haydn’s “London” symphony, a fitting final statement from one of the most important – and fun – symphonic composers. A special guest from the Taft Museum of Art will also share pieces of art from their exquisite collection.