Giltburg with Gershwin

Rouvali, Gerstein ・ Bernstein, Rachmaninoff, Gershwin

Rouvali, Gerstein ・ Bernstein, Rachmaninoff, Gershwin

Holst, Gershwin and Martin with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Robert Ziegler leads you on a journey through space and time with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

NOSPR / Axelrod / Gershwin / Leonard Bernstein’s great discovery

There are fascinating masterpieces that are still waiting to be discovered. Even if they have become classics in their genre. Such has been the fate of compositions by Charles Ives, which are still virtually absent from Poland. This might not be so surprising when we remember that it had also been half a century or more before it was premiered in his native country. As we have just celebrated the American genius’ 150th birth anniversary, it is high time we changed this! Eventually, the NOSPR concert hall will resound with the Symphony No. 2, a piece that is not only masterful, but also gripping – and at the same time, one the most unusual works in the history of music. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the German Symphonic tradition still remained the basic form of expression, particularly for the Americans, educated with European models. The young composer from New England, however, enhanced it with themes drawn from the local tradition, the developments and unexpected clashes of which presented in the consecutive movements blew up the conventional style, leading everything up to the spectacular final explosion. All that a decade ahead of Stravinsky and Bartók! The world premiere of the Symphony No.2, which presented Ives’ symphonic oeuvre to the world, was only prepared in 1959 by Leonard Bernstein. Three decades later, John Axelrod, the conductor of today’s concert, studied the piece with him.Axelrod also frequently works with the outstanding Turkish composer and pianist Fazıl Say. The very choice of solo instruments for his Concerto indicates an opportunity for showcasing the oriental exoticism and richness of the dynamic timbres of the percussion. The spectacular piece will be preceded by the famous Lullaby by George Gershwin.Jakub PuchalskiConcert duration (intermission included): approximately 90 minutes

Lapwood with Poulenc

Eschenbach with Bruckner

Bruckner's Second Symphony is often referred to as the "Symphony of Pauses." But do not worry: these pauses are not silent, but full of tension and give the music room to breathe. A music that was initially considered unplayable by contemporaries. The Vienna Philharmonic initially rejected the work, deeming it far too long. Bruckner shortened it, rented the large hall at the Musikverein at his own expense, rehearsed thoroughly with the orchestra - and was successful. And what a success it was, the applause of the premiere audience on October 26, 1773, seemed never-ending. Bruckner himself later referred to it as the "most memorable day of my life." Today, the symphony is somewhat overshadowed by its successors, but unjustly so. Everything that Bruckner enthusiasts appreciate: the grand arcs of tension, the delicate as well as the powerful moments, the abrupt pauses and new beginnings - they are all already present here. Christoph Eschenbach is considered a Bruckner specialist; that is why we have invited him to conduct it.

Eschenbach with Bruckner

Bruckner's Second Symphony is often referred to as the "Symphony of Pauses." But do not worry: these pauses are not silent, but full of tension and give the music room to breathe. A music that was initially considered unplayable by contemporaries. The Vienna Philharmonic initially rejected the work, deeming it far too long. Bruckner shortened it, rented the large hall at the Musikverein at his own expense, rehearsed thoroughly with the orchestra - and was successful. And what a success it was, the applause of the premiere audience on October 26, 1773, seemed never-ending. Bruckner himself later referred to it as the "most memorable day of my life." Today, the symphony is somewhat overshadowed by its successors, but unjustly so. Everything that Bruckner enthusiasts appreciate: the grand arcs of tension, the delicate as well as the powerful moments, the abrupt pauses and new beginnings - they are all already present here. Christoph Eschenbach is considered a Bruckner specialist; that is why we have invited him to conduct it.

From Paris with Love

A Mozart symphony, a clarinet concerto by Parisian Jean Françaix with soloist Jochen Tschabrun, and Gershwin's jazzy postcard greetings from Paris. Perfect ingredients for a Quick & Classy season opener. Enjoy Mozart's subtle wit, experience French charm, and dive into a musical contest between old and new worlds. 70 minutes, no break, followed by a Meet & Greet.

Summer Concert with Wagner

Helena Munktell’s romantic Suite for large orchestra is a piece that the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra has never before performed in its entirety. The music was composed in 1895, and like the now often performed Bränningar, this suite was premiered in Monte Carlo in the late 19th century.Next, we hear the young Swedish soprano Jessica Elevant tackle Wagner's Wesendonck Songs – music filled with burning longing and celestial beauty. Jessica Elevant has recently gained attention for her participation in Daniel Nelson's opera Pride and Prejudice at the Norrlandsoperan. This marks her debut with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.Another debutant is Sergej Bolkhovets – as a conductor, that is. He has previously been a violin soloist with the orchestra. He leads the orchestra in Shostakovich's first symphony. Already in this symphony, Shostakovich demonstrates his phenomenal ability to handle the orchestra. It's personal music with humorous twists and great finesse. A remarkable symphonic debut by a 19-year-old composer.