Music of the Vasa times

Hadelich / Piemontesi / Music of the masters from the banks of the Seine

Stars up close! Today, Augustin Hadelich is a world-leading violinist who conquers the world's stages and performs with the best orchestras, including the NOSPR. He returns with a chamber programme, in duo with the versatile piano virtuoso Francesco Piemontesi. Their concert, which will be dominated by French music, is designed in a modern way. There is no shortage of the canon of violin music, represented by Franck's striking, emotional, late Romantic sonata and Debussy's subtle, intimate sonata. They are accompanied by a third, wonderfully melodic sonata by Francis Poulenc. Both predecessors will shine through, as Poulenc's sounds focus their qualities like a lens because our perception changes with the context. Old French music (by de Grigny and Rameau) will indicate the roots of the work of the masters from the Seine banks mentioned above. György Kurtág's handful of short musical gestures, meanwhile, will allow us to pause for a moment to take a fresh look at what we already know. Adam Suprynowicz Concert duration (intermission included): approximately 90 minutes

Shakespeare of Music

Shakespeare of Music

Shakespeare of Music

Great works of music

Why not play piano concertos as a chamber ensemble? It would be impossible to show rational obstacles. In the times before the phonograph, that was exactly how people learnt great works of music that were not being performed at a concert hall near them. Privately, at home, at meetings, making music together. It is the meeting of artistic individualities and their willingness to collaborate that give chamber music its sense. Hence the presence of Chopin’s Concerto in E minor in the version for five instruments today, on the 175th death anniversary of this most important Polish musician of all. For the same reason, its counterpoint will be the famous Trout, Schubert’s masterpiece which introduced the early romantic sensitivity to chamber music. This is music derived from the spirit of a simple song. These two romantic build up layers of human emotions, activate affections and pile up associations. This is all we need. Adam Suprynowicz Concert duration: approximately 100 minutes

The power of brass, the might of the manuals

Although the organ is traditionally associated with sacred music and grand concerts, it can also be a fascinating complement to less typical chamber settings. The untypical combinations in this year’s organ concert series provide unique sounds and new, unexpected combinations. The result? We become more open to new interpretational possibilities and free experimenting. The programme of the concert, including pieces by Petr Eben, Otto Hoser, Thierry Escaich and Craig Phillips, shows how well the organ can sound paired with brass instruments and percussion. Hear it for yourselves: a fascinating richness of new possibilities! [Alexandra Kozowicz] Concert duration: approximately 50 minutes

NOSPR / Alsop / Yang / Polish sonorism and music of the north

Although Sibelius’ Violin Concerto is not programmatic music, it is permeated by the same Northern colour and breadth of breath that can be found in nearly all works by the creator of Finlandia. This is because landscape is not present there merely as a decoration – as it was in 18th-century music – but to reflect the scenery of the soul. Part of the core violinistic repertoire, enclosed within the framework of classical form, for over a hundred years, the piece has not ceased to inspire a sense of wonder, not only with its mysterious atmosphere and richness of sound, but also with its symphonic elan and originality of themes. While the British musicologist Donald Tovey called the final movement of the Concerto a “polonaise for polar bears”, he granted it – and rightly so! – an honourable place among the greatest violin concertos of Romanticism. Another great classic of 20th-century music is Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, in which – as Alex Ross put it – the Hungarian composer and folklore researcher “decided to throw away his notebook and began dancing with them [peasants]. From the strings, there rise clouds of dust, setting on the feet of the frenzied dancers.”. While the musical language of this late work of Bartok’s is a softened one, its form is classicising, and the sounds are nearly euphonic, still what is the most important for his style was retained – distinct rhythms, colourful instrumentation, and subtle inspiration drawn from folklore. Piotr MatwiejczukConcert duration: approximately 110 minutes

Music of mindfulness. Hypnotising and transcendental

Compositions by Arvo Pärt and i Giya Kancheli are permeated with deep reflection on the meaning of life, referencing universal aspects of the human experience. Their ubiquitous minimalism provides space for introspection and meditation. It enables the listener to reach such focus that has an element of metaphysics in it. In the context of the contemporary conflicts, unrest, and even fashionable trends of mindfulness, this music lets one focus on what is truly important and beautiful. It opens for the listeners doors to reflection on their own lives and on the surrounding world. Arvo Pärt’s Fratres, one of his best known works, has already been arranged for various instrumental ensembles. The version for a string quartet is special: it reinforces the hypnotising and transcendental message of the piece, opening up new opportunities for interpretation. In the Georgian language, the title of Giya Kancheli’s work, Amao Omi, means “a war of nonsenses”. It reflects the composer’s involvement in spreading pacifism and a reflection on human brutality and the pointlessness of war. Alexandra KozowiczConcert duration: approximately 60 minutes

The Music of Marvel

The Music of Queen

The exceptional artist Freddie Mercury died far too early at the age of 45. He celebrated mega successes with his band Queen. Their hits are immortal and continue to inspire young and old with their repertoire of rock, pop, classical, ballads, disco and RnB songs. Thanks to the film »Bohemian Rhapsody« (2018), numerous documentaries and concerts by the exceptional band, Queen remains unforgotten among their huge fan base to this day. The Music of Queen is probably the best and most authentic Queen tribute show currently available. The charismatic frontman Valentin L. Findling and his first-class live band present the world hits of Queen. He embodies Freddie Mercury in a breathtaking and energetic way like no other. He has the voice, the look and the moves. His live band has played with greats such as Earl Harvin, Peter Schilling, Sandy, as support for Eric Clapton, Paul Young, and many more. The songs offer a sweeping tour of the entire Queen repertoire with all the hit classics of the British cult band.