The two works featured in this program were written 130 years apart; they also stem from different corners of the world. Brahms’s Symphony No.4 (1885) is a masterpiece of the Austro-German tradition, beginning with a deep sense of despair, then lifting our spirits up with remarkable zeal. By the time of this symphony’s premiere, Brahms had already established his reputation and status in the musical world. Chinese contemporary composer Zhou Tian created his Violin Concerto in 2015 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Atlantic Classical Orchestra. A work that successfully injects the musical style of the Chinese two-stringed fiddle (erhu), it represents an impressive and memorable feat for this young talent, gaining him increasing reputation.