Classical concerts featuring

Jakub Hrůša

Seong-Jin Cho performs Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto

Aleady as a child, artist in Residence Seong-Jin Cho was impressed by “the brilliant and dramatic expression” of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5. His view has since evolved, he says: “This music is not only fiery, but also lyrical, deep and broad”. He will perform the work with Jakub Hrůša, chief conductor of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra. The Concerto for Orchestra, which shifts between melancholy and joie de vivre, is also one of Béla Bartók’s most popular works. Leoš Janáček’s folk suite from the opera Osud (Fate), on the other hand, is a rarely performed.

Seong-Jin Cho performs Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto

Aleady as a child, artist in Residence Seong-Jin Cho was impressed by “the brilliant and dramatic expression” of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5. His view has since evolved, he says: “This music is not only fiery, but also lyrical, deep and broad”. He will perform the work with Jakub Hrůša, chief conductor of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra. The Concerto for Orchestra, which shifts between melancholy and joie de vivre, is also one of Béla Bartók’s most popular works. Leoš Janáček’s folk suite from the opera Osud (Fate), on the other hand, is a rarely performed.

Seong-Jin Cho performs Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto

Aleady as a child, artist in Residence Seong-Jin Cho was impressed by “the brilliant and dramatic expression” of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5. His view has since evolved, he says: “This music is not only fiery, but also lyrical, deep and broad”. He will perform the work with Jakub Hrůša, chief conductor of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra. The Concerto for Orchestra, which shifts between melancholy and joie de vivre, is also one of Béla Bartók’s most popular works. Leoš Janáček’s folk suite from the opera Osud (Fate), on the other hand, is a rarely performed.

Jakub Hrůša, Konstantin Krimmel

»Mahler is a must!« That was absolutely clear to Jakub Hrůša when our journey together began in 2016 – as his late Romantic music is »genetically very close« to both him and ourselves. We have already performed five of his symphonies together in recent years. This programme includes the enchanting »Blumine« movement, which Mahler erased from his autobiographical first symphony and described himself as a »blissful infatuation«: he wrote it in 1884 as a young conductor when he had a crush on a soprano. However, his affection was not returned – and a year later, the »Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen« (»Songs of a Travelling Companion«) emerged from his emotional misery. Together with Konstantin Krimmel, we embark on the restless wanderings of the lovesick artist. After that we say: Not only Mahler is a must. For some time now, Jakub Hrůša has also been working more intensively on Bruckner, as he has recognised that only an orchestra that »really loves this music enough« will be able to make it work. He described the phase in which we immersed ourselves in the Symphony No. 4 in the 2018/2019 season as a »blissful experience with Bruckner« – and it was deepened even further: In the 2020 pandemic, we recorded our Chief Conductor’s personal take on all three versions of the work for a phenomenal and award-winning recording. In this programme, the »Romantic« is performed in the 1878/1880 version – first in Bamberg, as is traditional, of course. Then we will once again become »travelling companions« ourselves and present the works in two of the best halls in Europe: in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and (for the 10th time already!) in Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie – where we have come to love and appreciate the inspiring acoustics.

On Tour: Concertgebouw Amsterdam

»Mahler is a must!« That was absolutely clear to Jakub Hrůša when our journey together began in 2016 – as his late Romantic music is »genetically very close« to both him and ourselves. We have already performed five of his symphonies together in recent years. This programme includes the enchanting »Blumine« movement, which Mahler erased from his autobiographical first symphony and described himself as a »blissful infatuation«: he wrote it in 1884 as a young conductor when he had a crush on a soprano. However, his affection was not returned – and a year later, the »Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen« (»Songs of a Travelling Companion«) emerged from his emotional misery. Together with Konstantin Krimmel, we embark on the restless wanderings of the lovesick artist. After that we say: Not only Mahler is a must. For some time now, Jakub Hrůša has also been working more intensively on Bruckner, as he has recognised that only an orchestra that »really loves this music enough« will be able to make it work. He described the phase in which we immersed ourselves in the Symphony No. 4 in the 2018/2019 season as a »blissful experience with Bruckner« – and it was deepened even further: In the 2020 pandemic, we recorded our Chief Conductor’s personal take on all three versions of the work for a phenomenal and award-winning recording. In this programme, the »Romantic« is performed in the 1878/1880 version – first in Bamberg, as is traditional, of course. Then we will once again become »travelling companions« ourselves and present the works in two of the best halls in Europe: in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and (for the 10th time already!) in Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie – where we have come to love and appreciate the inspiring acoustics.

On Tour: Elbphilharmonie Hamburg

»Mahler is a must!« That was absolutely clear to Jakub Hrůša when our journey together began in 2016 – as his late Romantic music is »genetically very close« to both him and ourselves. We have already performed five of his symphonies together in recent years. This programme includes the enchanting »Blumine« movement, which Mahler erased from his autobiographical first symphony and described himself as a »blissful infatuation«: he wrote it in 1884 as a young conductor when he had a crush on a soprano. However, his affection was not returned – and a year later, the »Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen« (»Songs of a Travelling Companion«) emerged from his emotional misery. Together with Konstantin Krimmel, we embark on the restless wanderings of the lovesick artist. After that we say: Not only Mahler is a must. For some time now, Jakub Hrůša has also been working more intensively on Bruckner, as he has recognised that only an orchestra that »really loves this music enough« will be able to make it work. He described the phase in which we immersed ourselves in the Symphony No. 4 in the 2018/2019 season as a »blissful experience with Bruckner« – and it was deepened even further: In the 2020 pandemic, we recorded our Chief Conductor’s personal take on all three versions of the work for a phenomenal and award-winning recording. In this programme, the »Romantic« is performed in the 1878/1880 version – first in Bamberg, as is traditional, of course. Then we will once again become »travelling companions« ourselves and present the works in two of the best halls in Europe: in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and (for the 10th time already!) in Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie – where we have come to love and appreciate the inspiring acoustics.

Easter Festival Baden-Baden 2025

Jakub Hrůša, Bomsori Kim

»I love surprises and breaking with conventions, as long as they are subtle.« When it comes to developing dramaturgically sophisticated concert programmes, Jakub Hrůša always proves to be a creative mind and also enjoys experimenting. He is now combining two deeply profound musical creations: Charles Ives’ famous work from 1908 revolves around the question of existence. It ultimately remains unanswered in the room, and the magical piece ends on the exact same note with which Shostakovich»s Symphony No. 11 begins – so that the two compositions merge into one another impressively in our concert. The gripping symphony is subtitled »The Year 1905« and refers to the »St Petersburg Bloody Sunday« — but the work also reflects the just as tragic events of 1957 when it was written. Our Chief Conductor has selected the violin concerto by a composer who originated from his home town of Brno and had to seek refuge in exile in America: Korngold kept his head above water there by writing film music, which left traces in his violin concerto – for which we welcome Bomsori Kim as soloist. An exciting programme full of mesmerising undertow that is thought-provoking but also goes straight to the heart – especially through the conducting of Jakub Hrůša, who said of his favourite recipe: »It is important to find a balance in which you create with emotional charge and at the same time respect the craft. That’s when the best moments happen. And when the audience engages in this kind of valuable interaction, nothing stands in the way of happiness.«

Jakub Hrůša, Bomsori Kim

With nearly 7500 concerts in more than 500 cities and 64 countries, the Bamberg Symphony regularly tours the USA, South America and Asia as cultural diplomats for Bavaria and all of Germany. Our guest appearances in Asia in particular have a long-standing tradition: the first trip to China took place in 1986, followed by a tour to Taiwan in 1990. In Japan, we have already played a total of 125 concerts on 15 tours. This year, we are travelling to Japan, Korea and Taiwan again, where in the spring of 2023 we celebrated sensational success in front of sold-out halls. However, as a travelling orchestra, we are particularly committed to minimising the environmental impact of our tours and guest performances. For this reason, our travel planning in the current season also includes several residencies with more than one concert in one place. In Taiwan and Korea, we will again stay a few days longer to present education projects on location. We are compensating for our carbon footprint with climate protection projects that have a local impact and a positive side effect on society and the environment. As we did in 2023, we will be supporting a reforestation project in Seoul.

Bamberger Symphoniker in Munich

After the BRSO was invited to perform in Bamberg last October, the Bamberg Symphony has now accepted our invitation to perform a concert. Chief Conductor Jakub Hrůša, a highly popular and regular guest conductor with the BRSO, will lead the Bamberg Symphony in an unusual program, about which he remarks: “I love surprises and breaking with conventions, as long as they are done in a subtle way.” The program includes Shostakovich’s rarely performed Eleventh Symphony that serves as a cautionary and thought-provoking response to the “eternal question of existence” already posed in Charles Ives’ The Unanswered Question. In addition, the exceptional Korean violinist Bomsori Kim, winner of the 2013 ARD Music Competition, will appear for the first time in a BRSO concert series and perform Korngold’s Violin Concerto.

ON TOUR: Suntory Hall in Tokyo

With nearly 7500 concerts in more than 500 cities and 64 countries, the Bamberg Symphony regularly tours the USA, South America and Asia as cultural diplomats for Bavaria and all of Germany. Our guest appearances in Asia in particular have a long-standing tradition: the first trip to China took place in 1986, followed by a tour to Taiwan in 1990. In Japan, we have already played a total of 125 concerts on 15 tours. This year, we are travelling to Japan, Korea and Taiwan again, where in the spring of 2023 we celebrated sensational success in front of sold-out halls. However, as a travelling orchestra, we are particularly committed to minimising the environmental impact of our tours and guest performances. For this reason, our travel planning in the current season also includes several residencies with more than one concert in one place. In Taiwan and Korea, we will again stay a few days longer to present education projects on location. We are compensating for our carbon footprint with climate protection projects that have a local impact and a positive side effect on society and the environment. As we did in 2023, we will be supporting a reforestation project in Seoul.

ON TOUR: Bunka Kaikan in Utsunomiya

With nearly 7500 concerts in more than 500 cities and 64 countries, the Bamberg Symphony regularly tours the USA, South America and Asia as cultural diplomats for Bavaria and all of Germany. Our guest appearances in Asia in particular have a long-standing tradition: the first trip to China took place in 1986, followed by a tour to Taiwan in 1990. In Japan, we have already played a total of 125 concerts on 15 tours. This year, we are travelling to Japan, Korea and Taiwan again, where in the spring of 2023 we celebrated sensational success in front of sold-out halls. However, as a travelling orchestra, we are particularly committed to minimising the environmental impact of our tours and guest performances. For this reason, our travel planning in the current season also includes several residencies with more than one concert in one place. In Taiwan and Korea, we will again stay a few days longer to present education projects on location. We are compensating for our carbon footprint with climate protection projects that have a local impact and a positive side effect on society and the environment. As we did in 2023, we will be supporting a reforestation project in Seoul.

ON TOUR: Suntory Hall in Tokyo

With nearly 7500 concerts in more than 500 cities and 64 countries, the Bamberg Symphony regularly tours the USA, South America and Asia as cultural diplomats for Bavaria and all of Germany. Our guest appearances in Asia in particular have a long-standing tradition: the first trip to China took place in 1986, followed by a tour to Taiwan in 1990. In Japan, we have already played a total of 125 concerts on 15 tours. This year, we are travelling to Japan, Korea and Taiwan again, where in the spring of 2023 we celebrated sensational success in front of sold-out halls. However, as a travelling orchestra, we are particularly committed to minimising the environmental impact of our tours and guest performances. For this reason, our travel planning in the current season also includes several residencies with more than one concert in one place. In Taiwan and Korea, we will again stay a few days longer to present education projects on location. We are compensating for our carbon footprint with climate protection projects that have a local impact and a positive side effect on society and the environment. As we did in 2023, we will be supporting a reforestation project in Seoul.

ON TOUR: Samsung Concert Hall in Yongin

With nearly 7500 concerts in more than 500 cities and 64 countries, the Bamberg Symphony regularly tours the USA, South America and Asia as cultural diplomats for Bavaria and all of Germany. Our guest appearances in Asia in particular have a long-standing tradition: the first trip to China took place in 1986, followed by a tour to Taiwan in 1990. In Japan, we have already played a total of 125 concerts on 15 tours. This year, we are travelling to Japan, Korea and Taiwan again, where in the spring of 2023 we celebrated sensational success in front of sold-out halls. However, as a travelling orchestra, we are particularly committed to minimising the environmental impact of our tours and guest performances. For this reason, our travel planning in the current season also includes several residencies with more than one concert in one place. In Taiwan and Korea, we will again stay a few days longer to present education projects on location. We are compensating for our carbon footprint with climate protection projects that have a local impact and a positive side effect on society and the environment. As we did in 2023, we will be supporting a reforestation project in Seoul.

ON TOUR: Seongnam Arts Centre

With nearly 7500 concerts in more than 500 cities and 64 countries, the Bamberg Symphony regularly tours the USA, South America and Asia as cultural diplomats for Bavaria and all of Germany. Our guest appearances in Asia in particular have a long-standing tradition: the first trip to China took place in 1986, followed by a tour to Taiwan in 1990. In Japan, we have already played a total of 125 concerts on 15 tours. This year, we are travelling to Japan, Korea and Taiwan again, where in the spring of 2023 we celebrated sensational success in front of sold-out halls. However, as a travelling orchestra, we are particularly committed to minimising the environmental impact of our tours and guest performances. For this reason, our travel planning in the current season also includes several residencies with more than one concert in one place. In Taiwan and Korea, we will again stay a few days longer to present education projects on location. We are compensating for our carbon footprint with climate protection projects that have a local impact and a positive side effect on society and the environment. As we did in 2023, we will be supporting a reforestation project in Seoul.

ON TOUR: Seoul Arts Center

With nearly 7500 concerts in more than 500 cities and 64 countries, the Bamberg Symphony regularly tours the USA, South America and Asia as cultural diplomats for Bavaria and all of Germany. Our guest appearances in Asia in particular have a long-standing tradition: the first trip to China took place in 1986, followed by a tour to Taiwan in 1990. In Japan, we have already played a total of 125 concerts on 15 tours. This year, we are travelling to Japan, Korea and Taiwan again, where in the spring of 2023 we celebrated sensational success in front of sold-out halls. However, as a travelling orchestra, we are particularly committed to minimising the environmental impact of our tours and guest performances. For this reason, our travel planning in the current season also includes several residencies with more than one concert in one place. In Taiwan and Korea, we will again stay a few days longer to present education projects on location. We are compensating for our carbon footprint with climate protection projects that have a local impact and a positive side effect on society and the environment. As we did in 2023, we will be supporting a reforestation project in Seoul.

ON TOUR: National Theatre and Concert Hall in Taipei

With nearly 7500 concerts in more than 500 cities and 64 countries, the Bamberg Symphony regularly tours the USA, South America and Asia as cultural diplomats for Bavaria and all of Germany. Our guest appearances in Asia in particular have a long-standing tradition: the first trip to China took place in 1986, followed by a tour to Taiwan in 1990. In Japan, we have already played a total of 125 concerts on 15 tours. This year, we are travelling to Japan, Korea and Taiwan again, where in the spring of 2023 we celebrated sensational success in front of sold-out halls. However, as a travelling orchestra, we are particularly committed to minimising the environmental impact of our tours and guest performances. For this reason, our travel planning in the current season also includes several residencies with more than one concert in one place. In Taiwan and Korea, we will again stay a few days longer to present education projects on location. We are compensating for our carbon footprint with climate protection projects that have a local impact and a positive side effect on society and the environment. As we did in 2023, we will be supporting a reforestation project in Seoul.

ON TOUR: National Theatre and Concert Hall in Taipei

With nearly 7500 concerts in more than 500 cities and 64 countries, the Bamberg Symphony regularly tours the USA, South America and Asia as cultural diplomats for Bavaria and all of Germany. Our guest appearances in Asia in particular have a long-standing tradition: the first trip to China took place in 1986, followed by a tour to Taiwan in 1990. In Japan, we have already played a total of 125 concerts on 15 tours. This year, we are travelling to Japan, Korea and Taiwan again, where in the spring of 2023 we celebrated sensational success in front of sold-out halls. However, as a travelling orchestra, we are particularly committed to minimising the environmental impact of our tours and guest performances. For this reason, our travel planning in the current season also includes several residencies with more than one concert in one place. In Taiwan and Korea, we will again stay a few days longer to present education projects on location. We are compensating for our carbon footprint with climate protection projects that have a local impact and a positive side effect on society and the environment. As we did in 2023, we will be supporting a reforestation project in Seoul.

ON TOUR: WeiWu Ying Concert Hall in Kaohsiung

With nearly 7500 concerts in more than 500 cities and 64 countries, the Bamberg Symphony regularly tours the USA, South America and Asia as cultural diplomats for Bavaria and all of Germany. Our guest appearances in Asia in particular have a long-standing tradition: the first trip to China took place in 1986, followed by a tour to Taiwan in 1990. In Japan, we have already played a total of 125 concerts on 15 tours. This year, we are travelling to Japan, Korea and Taiwan again, where in the spring of 2023 we celebrated sensational success in front of sold-out halls. However, as a travelling orchestra, we are particularly committed to minimising the environmental impact of our tours and guest performances. For this reason, our travel planning in the current season also includes several residencies with more than one concert in one place. In Taiwan and Korea, we will again stay a few days longer to present education projects on location. We are compensating for our carbon footprint with climate protection projects that have a local impact and a positive side effect on society and the environment. As we did in 2023, we will be supporting a reforestation project in Seoul.

Gewandhausorchester, Jakub Hrůša Dirigent

The most valuable prize in music competitions is always the amazed and participating audience. This was no different 75 years ago, when the Bach world commemorated the 200th anniversary of the composer's death and the Bach Competition was held for the first time in Leipzig, the site of the central celebrations. Brahms, a connoisseur and admirer of Bach's music, paid homage to it in various ways. Honegger's Symphony No. 2, written during the occupation of Paris in 1941, reflects the composer's distress over the world war. The finale, infused with Bach-like polyphony, culminates in a trumpet fanfare and a chorale melody radiating hope and reconciliation.

Gewandhausorchester, Jakub Hrůša Dirigent

The most valuable prize in music competitions is always the amazed and participating audience. This was no different 75 years ago, when the Bach world commemorated the 200th anniversary of the composer's death and the Bach Competition was held for the first time in Leipzig, the site of the central celebrations. Brahms, a connoisseur and admirer of Bach's music, paid homage to it in various ways. Honegger's Symphony No. 2, written during the occupation of Paris in 1941, reflects the composer's distress over the world war. The finale, infused with Bach-like polyphony, culminates in a trumpet fanfare and a chorale melody radiating hope and reconciliation.

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