Smetana and Dvořák

Smetana and Dvorák

The oceans, lakes, streams, and rivers have always been important sources of inspiration for artists, poets, and composers. In the famous Moldau by Smetana, celebrating its 200th anniversary, we hear how the babbling smaller streams wind their way through the landscape before flowing together into the mighty river. The melody comes from an old folk song that we recognize as Ack Värmeland, du sköna. Perhaps Smetana heard the melody when he was working as a conductor in Gothenburg in the 1850s?Like Smetana, Antonín Dvorák was from Czechia. In both their music, Czech culture and nature are important ingredients. Dvorák had great international success during his lifetime, being appointed, for example, as a composition professor in New York. His Symphony No. 9, From the New World, is the most famous, but many consider the seventh symphony to be one of his very best works.The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra is led by German conductor Ruth Reinhardt – currently involved in the Royal Swedish Opera's production of Verdi's La traviata in spring 2024. She made her debut with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra at a summer concert in 2018.

Smetana and Dvořák

The opening of our Christmas concert is formed by Smetana's famous symphonic poem "The Moldau". The music almost vividly paints the course of the river - from its bubbling source to its full width as it flows into the Elbe. One can hear nature, rushing forests, and even a wedding in the countryside. A tribute to Smetana's Bohemian homeland, which is so close to us. Hummel's Trumpet Concerto in E major is a sparkling highlight. With virtuosic runs and radiant melodies, it showcases the trumpet at its best. Playing it for us is Lucienne Renaudin Vary, a master on her instrument! In Dvořák's Symphony No. 5, Czech folk music and romantic orchestral colors come together to create a music that touches the heart and soul. From idyllic sounds to captivating drama, the Bohemian master of melodies takes us on an evocative musical journey.

Smetana and Dvořák

The opening of our Christmas concert is formed by Smetana's famous symphonic poem "The Moldau". The music almost vividly paints the course of the river - from its bubbling source to its full width as it flows into the Elbe. One can hear nature, rushing forests, and even a wedding in the countryside. A tribute to Smetana's Bohemian homeland, which is so close to us. Hummel's Trumpet Concerto in E major is a sparkling highlight. With virtuosic runs and radiant melodies, it showcases the trumpet at its best. Playing it for us is Lucienne Renaudin Vary, a master on her instrument! In Dvořák's Symphony No. 5, Czech folk music and romantic orchestral colors come together to create a music that touches the heart and soul. From idyllic sounds to captivating drama, the Bohemian master of melodies takes us on an evocative musical journey.

Smetana »Die Moldau« | Dvorák »Aus der Neuen Welt«

Von Böhmen nach Amerika: welch ein Kontrast im 19. Jahrhundert! Hier die böhmische Urheimat mit Smetanas Auszügen aus »Mein Vaterland« und dort Dvořáks »Aus der Neuen Welt«, der Elemente amerikanischer Folklore in seiner Sinfonie andeutete, aber auch charakteristische böhmische Klänge nicht verleugnete.

Haydn and Dvorák

Due to illness, cellist Amalie Stalheim has been forced to cancel. This also results in a programme change for tonight's concert. Instead of Grażyna Bacewicz’s First Cello Concerto, we will hear the German cellist Julian Steckel perform Haydn’s First Cello Concerto.The seas, lakes, streams, and rivers have always been important sources of inspiration for artists, poets, and composers. In Smetana's famous Moldau, celebrating its 200th anniversary, we hear how the bubbling smaller streams meander through the landscape before merging into the mighty river. The melody comes from an old folk song that we recognize as Ack Värmeland, du sköna. Perhaps Smetana heard the melody when he was working as a conductor in Gothenburg in the 1850s?Like Smetana, Antonín Dvorák was from Czechia. In both their music, Czech culture and nature are important ingredients. Dvorák had great international success during his lifetime and was appointed, for example, as a composition professor in New York. His Symphony No. 9, "From the New World", is the most famous, but many consider his seventh symphony to be one of his very best works.Julian Steckel steps in at the last minute as the soloist in a true classic: Joseph Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major – a masterpiece that disappeared and was rediscovered almost 200 years later, in the mid-20th century (incidentally, in Prague, which adds a Czech connection to the programme). The renowned German cellist Julian Steckel is admired for his emotional depth and communication with audiences. His career took off after winning the ARD Music Competition in 2010, and since then, he has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras.The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra is led by German conductor Ruth Reinhardt – currently involved in the Royal Swedish Opera's production of Verdi's La traviata in spring 2024. She made her debut with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra at a summer concert in 2018.

Mozart and Dvorák

In Mozart's fifth and final violin concerto, there is a new richness in the musical language compared to the previous ones. Here, the music is majestic and powerful. The soloist is Alva Holm, who in 2022 won Sweden's premier music competition: Solistpriset, the Soloist Prize. The citation stated: "With musical conviction, technical brilliance, and total presence, Alva Holm captivates the audience from the first note."The concert opens with a newly composed work by Tebogo Monnakgotla, one of Sweden's most acclaimed composers in her generation. The new piece is inspired by the natural phenomenon of the spring flood. To conclude Norrköping Symphony Orchestra's guest appearance under the baton of Ola Rudner, we hear Dvorák's life-affirming Eighth Symphony. It is nature-inspired music full of joy and exuberant energy. Swedish Ola Rudner began his career as a violinist and has been internationally active as both a violinist and conductor, notably in Austria.

Dvořák and Beethoven

Works by Dvořák, Widmann and Beethoven

Works by Dvořák, Widmann and Beethoven