Violin and percussion collide in a thrilling world premiere from Christopher Theofanidis, brought to life by Yumi Hwang-Williams, Svet Stoyanov, and the Colorado Symphony.
What if you could experience a piece of music the very first time it’s ever performed AND be part of the moment it’s captured forever? This weekend, the Colorado Symphony invites you into one of those rare, unrepeatable experiences: the world premiere of a brand-new double concerto by Christopher Theofanidis written especially for the orchestra and brought to life by two extraordinary soloists in Yumi Hwang-Williams and Svet Stoyanov.
From March 20–22, 2026 at Boettcher Concert Hall, Music Director Peter Oundjian leads a performance that pushes the boundaries of what a concerto can be, pairing violin and percussion in a way audiences have simply never heard before.
“It combines the elegance and beauty of the violin with the exuberance and energy of percussion, creating a world that is unusual and yet absolutely exquisite.”
Svet Stoyanov
A Concerto Unlike Any Other
At the heart of this premiere is a bold idea: what happens when you merge the lyricism of the violin with the raw energy and color of percussion?
“This concerto is extremely unique because there’s nothing else like it,” says percussionist Svet Stoyanov, one of today’s leading voices in the percussion world. “It combines the elegance and beauty of the violin with the exuberance and energy of percussion, creating a world that is unusual and yet absolutely exquisite.”
That vision comes to life alongside Concertmaster Yumi Hwang-Williams, whose artistry has long been a cornerstone of the Colorado Symphony’s sound. Together, they form an unlikely but electrifying duo with two instruments in constant conversation, discovery, and collaboration.
“Fun Scary” — The Thrill of the Unknown
Premiering a brand-new work isn’t just exciting, it’s unpredictable.
“It’s always thrilling to have a piece that’s never been done before,” says Hwang-Williams. “We’re discovering and workshopping but the genesis of how this is developing has been such an exciting process.”
Stoyanov agrees, calling the experience “a little bit daunting, but in a good way.”
“Fun scary,” Hwang-Williams adds with a smile.
That sense of risk is exactly what makes a world premiere so compelling. Every note, every gesture, every interaction between soloists and orchestra is being shaped in real time right in front of you.
Be Part of the Recording
As if the premiere itself weren’t special enough, these performances will also be recorded live for a future album release.
“There’s something magical about music being recorded when it’s being played live,” says Stoyanov. “It has a particular energy and a vibe that can’t be replicated in a studio.”
In other words: your presence matters. The electricity of the hall, the shared anticipation, the collective breath between movements allows you to become part of the performance itself, captured in a recording that will live on far beyond this weekend.
A Rare Creative Collaboration
“And if we have any questions, we can just ask the creator. We can’t exactly call up Beethoven, but we can call Chris.”
Yumi Hwang-Williams
Adding another layer of excitement, composer Christopher Theofanidis will be in the hall for the premiere, something both soloists say transforms the experience.
“It’s very special when the person who dreamed this up is with us,” says Stoyanov. “They’re an essential part of the artistic team.”
“And if we have any questions, we can just ask the creator,” Hwang-Williams jokes. “We can’t exactly call up Beethoven, but we can call Chris.”
This direct collaboration between composer, performers, and orchestra creates a dynamic, living process that audiences rarely get to witness.
Don’t Miss It
World premieres don’t come around often. And when they do, they offer something no recording, no review, no retelling can replicate: the chance to say you were there.
Join the Colorado Symphony for this unforgettable weekend which also features selections from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet and be part of something brand new!
Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet with Peter Oundjian + Yumi Hwang-Williams
VERDI Overture from La forza del destino
THEOFANIDIS Violin/Percussion Commission with Yumi Hwang-Williams
PROKOFIEV Romeo and Juliet