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»Yes, just love him, love him so much – but don’t forget that he achieved poetic freedom after years of study, go back to the foundation of his work, don’t prove his genius through the last symphony!« Schumann said this about Beethoven – and it is indeed the case that the Symphony No. 4, which Jakub Hrůša has chosen for this programme, is often treated somewhat like a Cinderella among the nine symphonies. Quite wrongly, because it is an equally masterful composition: it stands in B flat major, which is an expression of the »yearning for a better world« according to the symbolism of musical keys of a certain Mr Schubart, and is characterised by a friendly tone with many wonderful ideas. Our Chief Conductor combines it with an equally neglected piece from the pen of his beloved composer Dvořák. We will be playing the fascinating piano concerto together with the acclaimed pianist Daniil Trifonov: the wide-ranging work was premiered in Prague in 1878 and features a magnificent richness of deeply felt inspirations. We will first present the programme in Bamberg, but then also in Linz – and also travel to the birthplace of Jakub Hrůša, where we have something to celebrate: 1924 was the first time that the »Year of Czech Music« was celebrated.
»Yes, just love him, love him so much – but don’t forget that he achieved poetic freedom after years of study, go back to the foundation of his work, don’t prove his genius through the last symphony!« Schumann said this about Beethoven – and it is indeed the case that the Symphony No. 4, which Jakub Hrůša has chosen for this programme, is often treated somewhat like a Cinderella among the nine symphonies. Quite wrongly, because it is an equally masterful composition: it stands in B flat major, which is an expression of the »yearning for a better world« according to the symbolism of musical keys of a certain Mr Schubart, and is characterised by a friendly tone with many wonderful ideas. Our Chief Conductor combines it with an equally neglected piece from the pen of his beloved composer Dvořák. We will be playing the fascinating piano concerto together with the acclaimed pianist Daniil Trifonov: the wide-ranging work was premiered in Prague in 1878 and features a magnificent richness of deeply felt inspirations. We will first present the programme in Bamberg, but then also in Linz – and also travel to the birthplace of Jakub Hrůša, where we have something to celebrate: 1924 was the first time that the »Year of Czech Music« was celebrated. It goes without saying that we have to be there, and our luggage includes the two pieces that were played at the opening concert of the year-long festival in Brno – on the occasion of Josef Suk’s 50th birthday and Janáček’s 70th birthday. In other words, music by two more of our Chief Conductor’s favourite artists: The magnificent autobiographical tone poem »Zrání« and the sparkling orchestral rhapsody »Taras Bulba«.
»Yes, just love him, love him so much – but don’t forget that he achieved poetic freedom after years of study, go back to the foundation of his work, don’t prove his genius through the last symphony!« Schumann said this about Beethoven – and it is indeed the case that the Symphony No. 4, which Jakub Hrůša has chosen for this programme, is often treated somewhat like a Cinderella among the nine symphonies. Quite wrongly, because it is an equally masterful composition: it stands in B flat major, which is an expression of the »yearning for a better world« according to the symbolism of musical keys of a certain Mr Schubart, and is characterised by a friendly tone with many wonderful ideas. Our Chief Conductor combines it with an equally neglected piece from the pen of his beloved composer Dvořák. We will be playing the fascinating piano concerto together with the acclaimed pianist Daniil Trifonov: the wide-ranging work was premiered in Prague in 1878 and features a magnificent richness of deeply felt inspirations. We will first present the programme in Bamberg, but then also in Linz – and also travel to the birthplace of Jakub Hrůša, where we have something to celebrate: 1924 was the first time that the »Year of Czech Music« was celebrated.
»Wherever you go, go with all your heart.« True to this saying, we are travelling on winding paths again – after all, we are Bavaria’s cultural ambassadors in the world. It gives us great pleasure to be touring across Europe to distribute musical calling cards from our wide-ranging repertoire to audiences elsewhere – who may well be curious. Jakub Hrůša once said that he loves it when people »really come with an open heart and are open to experiencing something completely new – and then relate it to what they already know«. At the request of the exceptionally gifted pianist Daniil Trifonov, this time the tour takes us to numerous places in Central Europe, to concert halls that we haven't performed in for a long time. In our suitcases we bring those exciting works that we have presented to our esteemed Bamberg audience for a long time – and although we are now travelling around for a while, we will of course always return to our beloved »home port« on the Regnitz later on.
»Wherever you go, go with all your heart.« True to this saying, we are travelling on winding paths again – after all, we are Bavaria’s cultural ambassadors in the world. It gives us great pleasure to be touring across Europe to distribute musical calling cards from our wide-ranging repertoire to audiences elsewhere – who may well be curious. Jakub Hrůša once said that he loves it when people »really come with an open heart and are open to experiencing something completely new – and then relate it to what they already know«. At the request of the exceptionally gifted pianist Daniil Trifonov, this time the tour takes us to numerous places in Central Europe, to concert halls that we haven't performed in for a long time. In our suitcases we bring those exciting works that we have presented to our esteemed Bamberg audience for a long time – and although we are now travelling around for a while, we will of course always return to our beloved »home port« on the Regnitz later on.
»Wherever you go, go with all your heart.« True to this saying, we are travelling on winding paths again – after all, we are Bavaria’s cultural ambassadors in the world. It gives us great pleasure to be touring across Europe to distribute musical calling cards from our wide-ranging repertoire to audiences elsewhere – who may well be curious. Jakub Hrůša once said that he loves it when people »really come with an open heart and are open to experiencing something completely new – and then relate it to what they already know«. At the request of the exceptionally gifted pianist Daniil Trifonov, this time the tour takes us to numerous places in Central Europe, to concert halls that we haven't performed in for a long time. In our suitcases we bring those exciting works that we have presented to our esteemed Bamberg audience for a long time – and although we are now travelling around for a while, we will of course always return to our beloved »home port« on the Regnitz later on.
»Wherever you go, go with all your heart.« True to this saying, we are travelling on winding paths again – after all, we are Bavaria’s cultural ambassadors in the world. It gives us great pleasure to be touring across Europe to distribute musical calling cards from our wide-ranging repertoire to audiences elsewhere – who may well be curious. Jakub Hrůša once said that he loves it when people »really come with an open heart and are open to experiencing something completely new – and then relate it to what they already know«. At the request of the exceptionally gifted pianist Daniil Trifonov, this time the tour takes us to numerous places in Central Europe, to concert halls that we haven't performed in for a long time. In our suitcases we bring those exciting works that we have presented to our esteemed Bamberg audience for a long time – and although we are now travelling around for a while, we will of course always return to our beloved »home port« on the Regnitz later on.
»Wherever you go, go with all your heart.« True to this saying, we are travelling on winding paths again – after all, we are Bavaria’s cultural ambassadors in the world. It gives us great pleasure to be touring across Europe to distribute musical calling cards from our wide-ranging repertoire to audiences elsewhere – who may well be curious. Jakub Hrůša once said that he loves it when people »really come with an open heart and are open to experiencing something completely new – and then relate it to what they already know«. At the request of the exceptionally gifted pianist Daniil Trifonov, this time the tour takes us to numerous places in Central Europe, to concert halls that we haven't performed in for a long time. In our suitcases we bring those exciting works that we have presented to our esteemed Bamberg audience for a long time – and although we are now travelling around for a while, we will of course always return to our beloved »home port« on the Regnitz later on.
The Bamberger Symphoniker, whose Chief Conductor is Jakub Hrůša, has affectionately entitled its season “What we love.” And Hrůša loves the Eastern European canon, so he will present a trio of Eastern European composers (from the Czech Republic and Poland) in Munich: Janáček, Wieniawski, and Lutosławski. “When we love something, when we are really convinced of something, our natural impulse is to share it with others,” says Hrůša regarding Lutosławski’s Concerto for Orchestra, a major work from the 1950s that was celebrated already at its premiere. There is also music from Osud, which is peppered with melodies typical of Janáček. And between those works is the impressive, romantic Second Violin Concerto, with which Wieniawski has captivated the greatest violinists in history – including Joshua Bell.
The Bamberger Symphoniker, whose Chief Conductor is Jakub Hrůša, has affectionately entitled its season “What we love.” And Hrůša loves the Eastern European canon, so he will present a trio of Eastern European composers (from the Czech Republic and Poland) in Munich: Janáček, Wieniawski, and Lutosławski. “When we love something, when we are really convinced of something, our natural impulse is to share it with others,” says Hrůša regarding Lutosławski’s Concerto for Orchestra, a major work from the 1950s that was celebrated already at its premiere. There is also music from Osud, which is peppered with melodies typical of Janáček. And between those works is the impressive, romantic Second Violin Concerto, with which Wieniawski has captivated the greatest violinists in history – including Joshua Bell.
Gorgeous late-romantic soundscapes – featuring works by Josef Suk and Leoš Janáček, who are among Jakub Hrůša’s favourite composers. It is thus a matter of the heart for him to regularly introduce audiences to pieces by these fascinating composers that are still relatively unknown outside the Czech Republic. The captivating »Asrael« Symphony already delivered proof of how well this works – and Josef Suk is also being celebrated this year on the occasion of his 150th birthday with an imposing musical autobiography: the programme includes his tone poem »Zráni«, finished in 1917, revolving around human maturity and elevating love to the core aspiration of our existence. Even the conductor of the premiere was absolutely enthusiastic, as he is said to have kissed the score in front of the concert audience and exclaimed in honour of Smetana’s famous cycle: »A second fatherland!« Janáček’s grandiose work was composed at virtually the same time – the scoring of a story about a Cossack culminating in a marvellous apotheosis. Jakub Hrůša fell in love with this composition, as he explained in an interview: »'Taras Bulba' is at the centre of my musical life. I didn't choose it, it just so happened. It was the first work and I’m still in love with it.« The brilliant »Paganini Rhapsody« by Rachmaninov from 1934 – who once answered the question »What is music?« in his typically poetic language: »That which goes from heart to heart, love.« – is also an emotional companion to the two Bohemian pieces.
Gorgeous late-romantic soundscapes – featuring works by Josef Suk and Leoš Janáček, who are among Jakub Hrůša’s favourite composers. It is thus a matter of the heart for him to regularly introduce audiences to pieces by these fascinating composers that are still relatively unknown outside the Czech Republic. The captivating »Asrael« Symphony already delivered proof of how well this works – and Josef Suk is also being celebrated this year on the occasion of his 150th birthday with an imposing musical autobiography: the programme includes his tone poem »Zráni«, finished in 1917, revolving around human maturity and elevating love to the core aspiration of our existence. Even the conductor of the premiere was absolutely enthusiastic, as he is said to have kissed the score in front of the concert audience and exclaimed in honour of Smetana’s famous cycle: »A second fatherland!« Janáček’s grandiose work was composed at virtually the same time – the scoring of a story about a Cossack culminating in a marvellous apotheosis. Jakub Hrůša fell in love with this composition, as he explained in an interview: »'Taras Bulba' is at the centre of my musical life. I didn't choose it, it just so happened. It was the first work and I’m still in love with it.« The brilliant »Paganini Rhapsody« by Rachmaninov from 1934 – who once answered the question »What is music?« in his typically poetic language: »That which goes from heart to heart, love.« – is also an emotional companion to the two Bohemian pieces.
Wonderful late-romantic soundscapes - including works by Josef Suk and Leoš Janáček, who are among Jakub Hrůša's favourite composers. It is therefore regularly a matter close to his heart to introduce audiences to pieces by these fascinating composers that are still relatively unknown outside the Czech Republic. The grandiose work by Janáček will be rehearsed on Wednesday night - the setting of a story about a Cossack that culminates in a magnificent apotheosis. Jakub Hrůša has really fallen for this composition, as he explained in an interview: ‘’Taras Bulba' is at the centre of my musical life. I didn't choose it, it just happened that way. It was the first work and I'm still in love with it.’The format of the public and moderated rehearsal offers the opportunity to take a look at the working phase before our symphony concerts. Our chief conductor Jakub Hrůša and moderator and violist Martin Timphus will explain and comment during the rehearsal and answer questions about the planned programme and our orchestral work.
»I love Czech music, and I want to share what I love with other people creatively.« Jakub Hrůša once said this in an interview, and this programme is another wonderful example thereof. The pleasure of listening is also complemented by an artist from his homeland: Ivo Kahánek is the soloist in the much too rarely performed piano concerto by Dvořák – the very composer who is always close to our Chief Conductor's heart, as he put it: »This music is like mother’s milk for me.« The symphonic piano concerto from 1876, packed with folklore, flourishes from the way the pianist and orchestra toss the thematic balls to and fro in a captivating and supple way. Before this, there is a likewise endearing piece to set the mood and thus even a double anniversary: Smetana was born in the Czech Republic in 1824 and the premiere of his comic opera »The Two Widows« took place in Prague in 1874 under his baton – a work that is set somewhere in Bohemia on an aristocratic estate and features a sparkling overture. Finally, we delve into the world of Beethoven, whose compositions are (not only) part of Jakub Hrůša’s core repertoire. Schumann described his Symphony No. 4 from 1806 as a »slender Greek maiden between two Northland giants«, as it was composed between the courageous »Eroica« and the glorious Fifth. It is a friendly work with enchanting melodies, as Beethoven was madly in love with a young noblewoman at the time – which is why a contemporary commented: »While writing this symphony, his heart must have nearly burst with joy.«
»I love Czech music, and I want to share what I love with other people creatively.« Jakub Hrůša once said this in an interview, and this programme is another wonderful example thereof. The pleasure of listening is also complemented by an artist from his homeland: Ivo Kahánek is the soloist in the much too rarely performed piano concerto by Dvořák – the very composer who is always close to our Chief Conductor's heart, as he put it: »This music is like mother’s milk for me.« The symphonic piano concerto from 1876, packed with folklore, flourishes from the way the pianist and orchestra toss the thematic balls to and fro in a captivating and supple way. Before this, there is a likewise endearing piece to set the mood and thus even a double anniversary: Smetana was born in the Czech Republic in 1824 and the premiere of his comic opera »The Two Widows« took place in Prague in 1874 under his baton – a work that is set somewhere in Bohemia on an aristocratic estate and features a sparkling overture. Finally, we delve into the world of Beethoven, whose compositions are (not only) part of Jakub Hrůša’s core repertoire. Schumann described his Symphony No. 4 from 1806 as a »slender Greek maiden between two Northland giants«, as it was composed between the courageous »Eroica« and the glorious Fifth. It is a friendly work with enchanting melodies, as Beethoven was madly in love with a young noblewoman at the time – which is why a contemporary commented: »While writing this symphony, his heart must have nearly burst with joy.«
»If music be the food of love, play on!« William Shakespeare once wrote – and in the same spirit, Jakub Hrůša, as our musical »chef de cuisine«, has once again put together sumptuous treats for our audience that unmistakably carry his personal signature. And we start off with a delicacy: With Brahms’ concerto, composed in 1887, which is much more than just a small appetiser – and also follows a quote by Adelbert von Chamisso, that says: »Love is not a solo. Love is a duet.« For the two celebrated soloists Vilde Frang and Sol Gabetta, it was a heartfelt wish to perform this double concerto together at some point – and they will certainly add their artistic flavours to blend into a »giant eight-stringed violin« in accordance with the composer’s wishes. The musical menu also features works by two other favourite composers of our Chief Conductor: Martinů’s Symphony No. 3, which he wrote in 1944 while in exile in America, contains echoes of the folk music of his Czech homeland, as well as skilfully processing the zeitgeist of that time – and, most importantly, indulging in great emotions. After this mighty symphony, we serve Dvořák’s »Scherzo capriccioso«, because Jakub Hrůša loves to break with the conventions of a traditional concert programme time and again. The name already suggests a playfully tossed-together dish and this imaginative, lavishly orchestrated and skilfully crafted scherzo from 1883 is not so little, but it is still a charming nightcap: it is one of the many captivating works from Dvořák’s pen to win people’s hearts by storm.
»If music be the food of love, play on!« William Shakespeare once wrote – and in the same spirit, Jakub Hrůša, as our musical »chef de cuisine«, has once again put together sumptuous treats for our audience that unmistakably carry his personal signature. And we start off with a delicacy: With Brahms’ concerto, composed in 1887, which is much more than just a small appetiser – and also follows a quote by Adelbert von Chamisso, that says: »Love is not a solo. Love is a duet.« For the two celebrated soloists Vilde Frang and Sol Gabetta, it was a heartfelt wish to perform this double concerto together at some point – and they will certainly add their artistic flavours to blend into a »giant eight-stringed violin« in accordance with the composer’s wishes. The musical menu also features works by two other favourite composers of our Chief Conductor: Martinů’s Symphony No. 3, which he wrote in 1944 while in exile in America, contains echoes of the folk music of his Czech homeland, as well as skilfully processing the zeitgeist of that time – and, most importantly, indulging in great emotions. After this mighty symphony, we serve Dvořák’s »Scherzo capriccioso«, because Jakub Hrůša loves to break with the conventions of a traditional concert programme time and again. The name already suggests a playfully tossed-together dish and this imaginative, lavishly orchestrated and skilfully crafted scherzo from 1883 is not so little, but it is still a charming nightcap: it is one of the many captivating works from Dvořák’s pen to win people’s hearts by storm.
»If music be the food of love, play on!« William Shakespeare once wrote – and in the same spirit, Jakub Hrůša, as our musical »chef de cuisine«, has once again put together sumptuous treats for our audience that unmistakably carry his personal signature. And we start off with a delicacy: With Brahms’ concerto, composed in 1887, which is much more than just a small appetiser – and also follows a quote by Adelbert von Chamisso, that says: »Love is not a solo. Love is a duet.« For the two celebrated soloists Vilde Frang and Sol Gabetta, it was a heartfelt wish to perform this double concerto together at some point – and they will certainly add their artistic flavours to blend into a »giant eight-stringed violin« in accordance with the composer’s wishes. The musical menu also features works by two other favourite composers of our Chief Conductor: Martinů’s Symphony No. 3, which he wrote in 1944 while in exile in America, contains echoes of the folk music of his Czech homeland, as well as skilfully processing the zeitgeist of that time – and, most importantly, indulging in great emotions. After this mighty symphony, we serve Dvořák’s »Scherzo capriccioso«, because Jakub Hrůša loves to break with the conventions of a traditional concert programme time and again. The name already suggests a playfully tossed-together dish and this imaginative, lavishly orchestrated and skilfully crafted scherzo from 1883 is not so little, but it is still a charming nightcap: it is one of the many captivating works from Dvořák’s pen to win people’s hearts by storm.
»This must be love!« These words were heard at the joyous announcement that the journey with Jakub Hrůša will continue for several more wonderful years. And he sums it up perfectly, because our Chief Conductor is completely happy with his »friendly and harmonious home«: he loves the city Bamberg, the amicable atmosphere in the orchestra and the whole team behind the scenes, the magnificent hall and the enthusiastic audiences – who return his love in such a way that the concerts with him have been constantly sold out for years. And since fate has been particularly kind to this close relationship since 2016, Jakub Hrůša has fittingly included the Beethoven symphony on the programme for our season opener, with its world-famous tones revolving around the much-invoked Fatum – and about which it was said early on that it is a »living image of great passion«. This symphonic blockbuster is combined with favourites from the heart of our Chief Conductor: With compositions from his and our Bohemian homeland, which he regularly familiarises us with on our journey together. And in doing so, we are always moving on to lesser-known repertoire. Dvořák's Violin Concerto, for example, is not heard very often, even though it is in no way inferior in quality to the great Romantic concertos of his colleagues: it is »original, full of cantilenas and written for accomplished violinists« – including Isabelle Faust, whose wish it was to play the solo part with us one day. However, before that, we should first congratulate this year's birthday boy, Smetana: With his fascinating tone poem »Wallenstein's Camp«, which for Jakub Hrůša is a »fantastic opener« for concerts – which makes the piece a perfect opening for the new season themed »What we love«.
»This must be love!« These words were heard at the joyous announcement that the journey with Jakub Hrůša will continue for several more wonderful years. And he sums it up perfectly, because our Chief Conductor is completely happy with his »friendly and harmonious home«: he loves the city Bamberg, the amicable atmosphere in the orchestra and the whole team behind the scenes, the magnificent hall and the enthusiastic audiences – who return his love in such a way that the concerts with him have been constantly sold out for years. And since fate has been particularly kind to this close relationship since 2016, Jakub Hrůša has fittingly included the Beethoven symphony on the programme for our season opener, with its world-famous tones revolving around the much-invoked Fatum – and about which it was said early on that it is a »living image of great passion«. This symphonic blockbuster is combined with favourites from the heart of our Chief Conductor: With compositions from his and our Bohemian homeland, which he regularly familiarises us with on our journey together. And in doing so, we are always moving on to lesser-known repertoire. Dvořák's Violin Concerto, for example, is not heard very often, even though it is in no way inferior in quality to the great Romantic concertos of his colleagues: it is »original, full of cantilenas and written for accomplished violinists« – including Isabelle Faust, whose wish it was to play the solo part with us one day. However, before that, we should first congratulate this year's birthday boy, Smetana: With his fascinating tone poem »Wallenstein's Camp«, which for Jakub Hrůša is a »fantastic opener« for concerts – which makes the piece a perfect opening for the new season themed »What we love«.
We’re off to the »Golden City«! It gives us great pleasure to regularly travel with our Chief Conductor to his beloved city of Prague – where he studied and began his career as an internationally esteemed conductor. This year, we are guests at the prestigious Dvořák Festival for a residency – because the audience loves Jakub Hrůša’s captivating interpretations. The opening concert already includes two of his favourite works: Dvořák’s wistful cello concerto, about which he said: »Think of a boy who is in love – that’s the content.« His popular symphony »From the New World« is also highly emotional and has been described as an »expression of his love for his homeland from afar«. On the second evening, we celebrate Smetana’s 200th birthday: the three pieces »Richard III«, »Wallenstein’s Camp« and »Haakon Jarl« tell of love, heroism and suffering.We combine them with a milestone by Beethoven, who was a frequent guest in the Vltava metropolis – and here he even met the woman he called the »Immortal Beloved« in a letter that remains a mystery to this day. His »Symphony of Fate« captivates with its grandiose metamorphoses of the four famous notes through to the magnificent finale. To conclude our visit, we will be focussing on Mahler, who also had Bohemian roots and whose Seventh Symphony is deeply linked to our orchestral history. We are performing it at a very special location in close friendship with our fellow musicians in Prague: At the place of the premiere in 1908 – and just like back then, when our predecessor orchestra of the German opera house »topped up« the Czech Philharmonic for this monumental work, we are now playing together again, music stand to music stand.
We’re off to the »Golden City«! It gives us great pleasure to regularly travel with our Chief Conductor to his beloved city of Prague – where he studied and began his career as an internationally esteemed conductor. This year, we are guests at the prestigious Dvořák Festival for a residency – because the audience loves Jakub Hrůša’s captivating interpretations. The opening concert already includes two of his favourite works: Dvořák’s wistful cello concerto, about which he said: »Think of a boy who is in love – that’s the content.« His popular symphony »From the New World« is also highly emotional and has been described as an »expression of his love for his homeland from afar«. On the second evening, we celebrate Smetana’s 200th birthday: the three pieces »Richard III«, »Wallenstein’s Camp« and »Haakon Jarl« tell of love, heroism and suffering.We combine them with a milestone by Beethoven, who was a frequent guest in the Vltava metropolis – and here he even met the woman he called the »Immortal Beloved« in a letter that remains a mystery to this day. His »Symphony of Fate« captivates with its grandiose metamorphoses of the four famous notes through to the magnificent finale. To conclude our visit, we will be focussing on Mahler, who also had Bohemian roots and whose Seventh Symphony is deeply linked to our orchestral history. We are performing it at a very special location in close friendship with our fellow musicians in Prague: At the place of the premiere in 1908 – and just like back then, when our predecessor orchestra of the German opera house »topped up« the Czech Philharmonic for this monumental work, we are now playing together again, music stand to music stand.
We’re off to the »Golden City«! It gives us great pleasure to regularly travel with our Chief Conductor to his beloved city of Prague – where he studied and began his career as an internationally esteemed conductor. This year, we are guests at the prestigious Dvořák Festival for a residency – because the audience loves Jakub Hrůša’s captivating interpretations. The opening concert already includes two of his favourite works: Dvořák’s wistful cello concerto, about which he said: »Think of a boy who is in love – that’s the content.« His popular symphony »From the New World« is also highly emotional and has been described as an »expression of his love for his homeland from afar«. On the second evening, we celebrate Smetana’s 200th birthday: the three pieces »Richard III«, »Wallenstein’s Camp« and »Haakon Jarl« tell of love, heroism and suffering.We combine them with a milestone by Beethoven, who was a frequent guest in the Vltava metropolis – and here he even met the woman he called the »Immortal Beloved« in a letter that remains a mystery to this day. His »Symphony of Fate« captivates with its grandiose metamorphoses of the four famous notes through to the magnificent finale. To conclude our visit, we will be focussing on Mahler, who also had Bohemian roots and whose Seventh Symphony is deeply linked to our orchestral history. We are performing it at a very special location in close friendship with our fellow musicians in Prague: At the place of the premiere in 1908 – and just like back then, when our predecessor orchestra of the German opera house »topped up« the Czech Philharmonic for this monumental work, we are now playing together again, music stand to music stand.
Following a brilliant Elbphilharmonie debut in 2019 with »his« Bamberg Symphony, conductor Jakub Hrůša has become a popular regular visitor to the Elbphilharmonie. From his Czech homeland, he not only brings undoubtedly its best orchestra, but also provides a wonderful programme. This evening’s soloist is the young talented star Sheku Kanneh-Mason performing an all-time favourite cello concerto. Dvořák’s Cello Concerto is one of the most frequently performed cello concertos of all, although Dvořák apparently considered the instrument no more than »a piece of wood that screeches at the top and drones at the bottom«. Yet, the composer must have secretly loved the cello because this composition is captivating with enchanting songlike melodies, great dramatic progressions and delicately lyrical passages. This evening’s soloist is 24-year-old British rising star Sheku Kanneh-Mason, winner of the 2016 BBC Young Musician award. This piece with its virtuoso leaps and technical intricacies offers him many possibilities to demonstrate the qualities of this instrument. »The music saved me!« writes Josef Suk, who dedicated the »Asrael« Symphony to two dear relatives, who had recently passed away. The work is named after the archangel who, in Islam, guides the souls of the dead to paradise. It is a work of magnificent beauty; despair and grief meet poetically transfiguring memory. Funeral March, Dance of Death, tender portrait of his wife – the music is so emotionally powerful that one wonders why Suk has not (yet) achieved the popularity of his contemporary Gustav Mahler or his father-in-law Antonín Dvořák!
Summer, sun, festivals – we love this buzzing time and the magical bonding moments when hearts beat to the rhythm of music. Our first trip of the new season takes us to the heartland of bagpipes: there’s a lot happening in the Scottish capital Edinburgh in August, with its winding alleys virtually bursting at the seams as there's culture on almost every corner. Right in the centre of it all for classical music fans: the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival, founded in 1947 – and where we have a short residency this year.The current motto there is »Rituals That Unite Us«, so it’s all about the rituals intended to bring people closer together again – which fits in perfectly with our love theme. We are performing in Edinburgh with a programme of our choice: from Bamberg we bring our favourite pieces with us as musical calling cards. These include our widely acclaimed spotlight on Hans Rott’s First Symphony – and the exciting love triangle between this artist, who died young, and the two masters Bruckner and Mahler. We have also recently explored the close friendship between Brahms and Dvořák – and are playing two important works by these brilliant composers. As a monumental finale, our last concert in Edinburgh will feature a larger portion of Czech music together with the local Festival Chorus – with poignant compositions by Dvořák and his son-in-law Josef Suk.
Summer, sun, festivals – we love this buzzing time and the magical bonding moments when hearts beat to the rhythm of music. Our first trip of the new season takes us to the heartland of bagpipes: there’s a lot happening in the Scottish capital Edinburgh in August, with its winding alleys virtually bursting at the seams as there's culture on almost every corner. Right in the centre of it all for classical music fans: the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival, founded in 1947 – and where we have a short residency this year.The current motto there is »Rituals That Unite Us«, so it’s all about the rituals intended to bring people closer together again – which fits in perfectly with our love theme. We are performing in Edinburgh with a programme of our choice: from Bamberg we bring our favourite pieces with us as musical calling cards. These include our widely acclaimed spotlight on Hans Rott’s First Symphony – and the exciting love triangle between this artist, who died young, and the two masters Bruckner and Mahler. We have also recently explored the close friendship between Brahms and Dvořák – and are playing two important works by these brilliant composers. As a monumental finale, our last concert in Edinburgh will feature a larger portion of Czech music together with the local Festival Chorus – with poignant compositions by Dvořák and his son-in-law Josef Suk.
Summer, sun, festivals—we love this vibrant time! Our first trip of the new season takes us to the bagpipe capital: Edinburgh. We'll be in residence at the Edinburgh International Festival, whose theme, "Rituals That Unite Us," fits our love theme perfectly. We're bringing our favorite pieces from Bamberg, including our acclaimed focus on Hans Rott's first symphony and the love triangle between him, Bruckner, and Mahler. We'll also play works by Brahms and Dvořák, culminating in a grand finale of Czech music by Dvořák and Josef Suk with the Edinburgh Festival Chorus.
The concert introduction takes place at 7 pm in the Joseph-Keilberth-Saal.
