A Breath of Fresh Air

Masterworks, 2026-2027 Season

A Breath of Fresh Air

Jan 23
Saturday
7:30 PM
Century II Concert Hall

featuring Julie Coucheron, piano | Vinay Parameswaran, conductor

Shake off the January chill and escape into a soundscape of renewal and light. As winter settles over Kansas, the Symphony offers a musical sanctuary featuring guest conductor Vinay Parameswaran and the radiant virtuosity of pianist Julie Coucheron. The program opens with the festive, rhythmic energy of Vivian Fung’s Parade, a work that captures the spirit of a community coming to life. The atmosphere builds with Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1, a masterpiece of breathless momentum and shimmering melodic grace that showcases Coucheron’s "compelling musicianship." Finally, wander through a sun-drenched landscape with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, "Pastoral." From the gentle murmur of a brook to the triumphant calm after a summer storm, this beloved symphony serves as a vibrant bridge to spring—a profound reminder of the warmth and beauty of the natural world.

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VIVIAN FUNG Parade 
FELIX MENDELSSOHN Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral”
 

Julie Coucheron

About Julie Coucheron

Born in Oslo, Norway, Ms. Coucheron began playing the piano at age four. She earned her Bachelor and Master’s Degree with honors from the Royal Academy of Music in London. At the age of 32, Ms. Coucheron has established an international career, winning awards and prizes in Italy, Germany, UK and in the United States.  

Ms. Coucheron has worked with musicians such as Claude Frank, Emanuel Ax, Chee-Yun Kim, Christopher O’Riley, Steve Miller Band, Yo-Yo Ma, and Elton John, and has toured Europe, America, South America and Asia, performing in halls like Verizon Hall, Wigmore Hall, the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Ms. Coucheron has performed with the Norwegian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Oslo Philharmonic; Jena Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Philarmonic and the Ukrainian Symphony Orchestra in Kiev.  Ms. Coucheron regularly performs at festivals such as the Oslo Chamber Music Festival, Bergen International Music Festival, Amelia Island Music Festival, Madison Chamber Music Festival, Juneau Jazz and Classics and at La Jolla Summer Fest. She is Artistic Director of the Fjord Cadenza festival in Norway ,the Kon Tiki Chamber Music Festival in Oslo, Norway and Georgian Chamber Players in Atlanta, GA.  

In addition, Ms. Coucheron also performed during the 2003 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, and at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.  Ms. Coucheron enjoys a close collaboration with her brother, the Concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony, David Coucheron, and together they have released two recordings, ‘Debut’ and ‘David and Julie’ on the Naxos label.  In addition to her busy concert schedule, Ms. Coucheron is a sought after teacher and pedagogue. In August 2014, she was appointed Assistant Professor at Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the top 50 state schools in the United States.  

Ms. Coucheron has given masterclasses and taught at schools such as the New England Conservatory, Emory University and Mercer University.  Ms. Coucheron enjoys a various and wide range of styles and repertoire emerging from her highly trained classical background to the more contemporary and popular music. Recent collaborations include performances with the Steve Miller Band and Elton John.  

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