VALDOSTA – Valdosta Symphony Orchestra has hosted several award-winning guest musicians but rarely one as decorated as pianist Orion Weiss, said Howard Hsu, orchestra conductor.

Weiss has won the prestigious Gilmore Young Artist Award and the Avery Fisher Prize at the Lincoln Center, Hsu said, which in classical music performance terms is “like winning a Grammy and an Oscar.”

Weiss is “one of the most sought-after soloists in his generation of young American musicians,” according to information from his representatives. 

Hsu said the statement proved true for Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. Since one of Hsu’s mentors recommended Weiss, Hsu has been trying to book the pianist for a few years.

“My mentor said, ‘You have to get Orion,'” Hsu said. “We’ve been trying to get him ever since.”

The demand for Weiss started early.

In 2011, at the age of 17, Weiss was tapped as a last-minute replacement with the Boston Symphony, Hsu said. He had less than 24 hours to prepare for what would be his debut with the orchestra.

Saturday, Sept. 15, performing with the Valdosta Symphony, Weiss will play Ravel’s jazz-infused Piano Concerto in G. Audiences can expect to hear a “perfect marriage of classical, French and jazz,” Hsu said. “The French love American jazz.”

So did French composer Maurice Ravel.

Ravel met George Gershwin, Hsu said. During the meeting, Gershwin played pieces of what would become his “Rhapsody in Blue.” 

“Then they went clubbing,” Hsu said, where they visited famous night spots playing jazz. “So, Ravel had all of this jazz in his head.”

And he composed the Piano Concerto in G.

The Valdosta Symphony will also play a piece composed by one of its own.

Elizabeth Goode has long been principal flute for the orchestra. She will continue in the role Saturday evening but the orchestra will also play the world premiere of her composition, “blaze.”

Goode composed the piece for the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, Hsu said. It is not a flute piece. It is a work for the entire orchestra.

Granted, the title touches upon Valdosta State University being the Blazers, it also reflects the spirit of the music, Hsu said.

“Kind of like lighting a match then watching the blaze growing,” he said. “That happens musically.”

The orchestra will also perform Sibelius’ Second Symphony.

CONCERT

Valdosta Symphony Orchestra performs “Brilliance,” featuring Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G with pianist Orion Weiss, Elizabeth Goode’s “blaze” and Sibelius’ Second Symphony. 

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15.

Where: Whitehead Auditorium, Valdosta State University Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.

More information: Visit www.valdostasymphony.org.