ConcertPulse
Petr Popelka, Christian Gerhaher
Konzerthalle Bamberg, Joseph-Keilberth-Saal (Bamberg)
There are impressive careers that one can only imagine at first. But they sometimes become reality: Petr Popelka’s love of music blossomed when he was a small child. He first formed a musical partnership with the double bass and played in the Staatskapelle Dresden for ten years. He composed on the side to keep his inner balance – but his fervent desire to conduct eventually grew stronger and stronger. And then everything went very quickly: he put his double bass bow aside and is now one of the most inspiring artists of the new generation of conductors, for whom mutual respect is always important when working together. Since this season, he has been Chief Conductor of the Wiener Symphoniker, but other orchestras are also courting the rising star. Fortunately, the likeable musician is already one of our recurring guests: we share the Bohemian soul with the Prague-born conductor – which is why it was »love at first note« when he made his debut in Bamberg in 2022. We are now looking forward to explore the dazzling scores of Schubert, Strauss and Ravel with him, as well as Christian Gerhaher’s current favourite songs, which are far from the usual vocal cycles. Petr Popelka is known for his varied programmes and also for bringing each piece to life with his unique, emotional and refreshing interpretations. He loves the passionate working relationship between him and our musicians, as he once emphasised: »There really is a great open-mindedness in the orchestra – and a willingness to give the best. I feel incredibly comfortable!«
