From Venice to Buenos Aires: Exploring Two Very Different “Four Seasons”

The Idaho Falls Symphony’s Soundscapes Series continues April 3 with a concert that travels across musical landscapes and centuries. This program brings together two strikingly different visions of The Four Seasons—Antonio Vivaldi’s beloved Baroque masterpiece and Astor Piazzolla’s fiery Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, where classical music meets the pulse and attitude of Argentine tango.

While Vivaldi painted musical portraits of spring breezes, summer storms, autumn harvests, and winter chill, Piazzolla reimagined the seasons through the lens of 20th-century Buenos Aires. The rarely performed work blends tango rhythms with classical structure, creating a bold and colorful counterpart to Vivaldi’s familiar seasonal scenes.

Under the direction of conductor Thomas Heuser, a specially assembled string ensemble with harpsichord will bring these contrasting works to life.

“The connection between these two composers is fascinating,” says Heuser. “Piazzolla nods to Vivaldi in unexpected places, but the music also has this incredible energy and groove. It’s a concert full of color, character, and contrast.”

Two Violin Soloists Take the Stage

Sharing the solo violin roles are Idaho Falls Symphony concertmaster Emma Rubinstein and violinist Dallin Hansen, both longtime members of the orchestra.

Rubinstein is the founder of the String Academy of Idaho Falls and an accomplished chamber musician. She previously served as first violinist and founding member of the Anacapa String Quartet, performing nationally and internationally during the ensemble’s nine-season run.

Hansen holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in violin performance from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in orchestral conducting from Brigham Young University. In addition to performing with the Idaho Falls Symphony, he serves on the music faculty at Brigham Young University–Idaho.

Together they will lead the ensemble through Vivaldi’s vivid seasonal imagery and Piazzolla’s dramatic reinterpretation of the seasons.

A Spotlight on the Next Generation

This Soundscapes concert also features a special appearance by Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestra musician Collin Talbot, who will perform Piazzolla’s electrifying “Libertango” on accordion.

Collin’s appearance highlights an important part of the Symphony’s mission—creating opportunities for young musicians in our community to perform alongside professional artists and share their talents with local audiences.

Discover the Landscapes of Music

Soundscapes concerts are designed to explore the many “landscapes” of music in a closer, more engaging setting. From Baroque elegance to the driving rhythms of tango, this concert invites listeners to experience familiar music in a fresh way.