SZ-Charity-Concert with Herbert Blomstedt | Schubert

Herbert Blomstedt

Among the many wonderful concerts this season, there is one that Sir Simon Rattle would particularly like to attend himself: Stravinsky and Mendelssohn, conducted by Herbert Blomstedt. The BRSO Chief Conductor has long admired Blomstedt (who has reached the impressive age of 97): “He’s like a splendid wine that only gets better with age,” says Rattle. “The last time I heard Lobgesang I was in my teens and still a mediocre timpani player. And although I couldn’t grasp its quality back then, I am convinced that Mr. Blomstedt will reveal the magnificence of this work – as he always does.” Hardly anyone conducts with such understanding and such humility. “He is such an inspiration!”

Herbert Blomstedt

Among the many wonderful concerts this season, there is one that Sir Simon Rattle would particularly like to attend himself: Stravinsky and Mendelssohn, conducted by Herbert Blomstedt. The BRSO Chief Conductor has long admired Blomstedt (who has reached the impressive age of 97): “He’s like a splendid wine that only gets better with age,” says Rattle. “The last time I heard Lobgesang I was in my teens and still a mediocre timpani player. And although I couldn’t grasp its quality back then, I am convinced that Mr. Blomstedt will reveal the magnificence of this work – as he always does.” Hardly anyone conducts with such understanding and such humility. “He is such an inspiration!”

In Passau Cathedral with Herbert Blomstedt

In Bamberg Cathedral with Herbert Blomstedt

In St. Florian Monastery with Herbert Blomstedt

NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra / Regula Mühlemann / Herbert Blomstedt

He is by far the longest-serving active conductor in the world, but Herbert Blomstedt is not interested in such records: rediscovering the scores of the great composers again and again, sharpening the senses for this art and allowing everyone to share in the joy of making music – that’s what counts! Herbert Blomstedt turns 98 years old in July 2025. And since his time as chief conductor of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, he has regularly returned to the podium of the Hamburg ensemble, accompanied by storms of applause from his audiences. After having to cancel once last season for health reasons, everyone is now eagerly awaiting Blemstedt’s next appearance.

NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra / Regula Mühlemann / Herbert Blomstedt

He is by far the longest-serving active conductor in the world, but Herbert Blomstedt is not interested in such records: rediscovering the scores of the great composers again and again, sharpening the senses for this art and allowing everyone to share in the joy of making music – that’s what counts! Herbert Blomstedt turns 98 years old in July 2025. And since his time as chief conductor of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, he has regularly returned to the podium of the Hamburg ensemble, accompanied by storms of applause from his audiences. After having to cancel once last season for health reasons, everyone is now eagerly awaiting Blemstedt’s next appearance.

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.