The Christmas Matinee turns fifty this year! Klaus Mäkelä conducts an enjoyable concert full of twilight tints, nocturnal whispers and tales from distant lands. Experience the fabulous stories from the One Thousand and One Nights in Rimsky-Korsakov’s sultry Sheherazade , the solo violin running through the work like a golden thread. Less well-known but just as compelling is the symphonic poem Lydische nacht by Alphons Diepenbrock, who is considered the most important Dutch composer of the late-Romantic period. Who wouldn’t feel for a shepherd all alone in the darkness with his turbulent inner world and the cool, impassive moon…
RCO: Järvi conducts Khachaturian & Stravinsky
The Estonian conductor Paavo Järvi is in his element with repertoire from Northern and Eastern Europe, and this programme features three such works. Vesper (Poem) by his compatriot Ester Mägi, ‘the first lady of Estonian music’, is a poetic work for strings inspired by St John’s Church in Tallinn. The Khachaturian Piano Concerto is proof that colourful, vibrant music was indeed written in the Soviet era. The work is imbued with the influence of Armenian folk music. And to add to the exotic atmosphere, the piano is accompanied by a musical saw in the middle movement! The work is grist to Jean-Yves Thibaudet’s mill, a pianist who for decades has excelled in original repertoire. Finally, there’s Petrushka, Stravinsky’s exuberant ballet music about a marionette who comes to life, falls in love and wreaks havoc on a Russian carnival. Listeners need no sets or dancers to see the story unfold before them, and the colourful music lets all the members of the orchestra shine. PROGRAM Mägi: Vesper; Khatchatourian: Piano Concerto; Stravinsky: Petrushka
The Henri Mancini Gala at Hollywood Bowl
With a spectacular 100th birthday celebration, musical legends and longtime friends—including the legendary John Williams, Arturo Sandoval, Herbie Hancock, Wicked film star Cynthia Erivo, Stevie Wonder, Lizzo, James Galway, Dave Koz, and Grammy Award winner Michael Bublé—honour the legacy of composer, conductor, arranger, pianist, and flautist Henry Mancini. This tribute, set at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, features unforgettable performances, film excerpts enriched by his music, and behind-the-scenes footage from the recording of the 100th-anniversary album with renowned musicians, the LA Philharmonic, and conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Interviews with stars from Mancini-scored films add a personal touch, while heartfelt tributes come from his daughter, singer Monica Mancini, and Quincy Jones, in what marks his final televised appearance. A 20-time Grammy Award winner and four-time Academy Award recipient, Mancini shaped the sound of Hollywood with iconic scores for Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Pink Panther, Days of Wine and Roses, Victor/Victoria, Charade, and Two for the Road. He conducted at the Hollywood Bowl 29 times, leaving an indelible mark on its stage. Now,
the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, led by Thomas Wilkins, returns to this cherished venue for a moving concert celebrating his extraordinary legacy.
Sibelius – Complete Symphonies
It couldn’t be more authentic: the Philharmonic Orchestra Helsinki performs all seven symphonies by Jean Sibelius live in the spectacular concert hall of the Finnish capital’s modern Music Centre — the place where almost all of them had their premieres. Over a period of approximately 25 years, Jean Sibelius composed his seven symphonies. All of them, except for the seventh, were premiered in Helsinki under the composer’s own direction. Now, more than 100 years later, a symphony cycle by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by its chief conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste, offers a unique and moving experience. The Symphonies were recorded between 2023 and 2025.
Asmik Grigorian – The Kaunas Concert
In January 2025, Lithuanian star soprano Asmik Grigorian performed in Kaunas, in one of the most beautiful cathedrals of her homeland. With sacred opera arias and orchestral songs by Verdi, Bellini, Komitas, and others, she enchanted an enthusiastic audience. Joining her in this concert are the fantastic Ukrainian tenor Dmytro Popov and the charismatic cellist Kristina Reiko Cooper. Under the baton of Constantine Orbelian, the Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra and the Kaunas State Choir make this concert an unforgettable experience. 63′ is an Asmik Grigorian only version.
André Rieu – Love is all around
Experience the magic of André Rieu’s spectacular open-air concert on Maastricht’s iconic Vrijthof square! Together with his beautiful Johann Strauss Orchestra and numerous international soloists and special guest Emma Kok, André Rieu celebrated a cheerful and emotional party, which ended night after night with a grand firework display. With his world-famous Johann Strauss Orchestra, dazzling soloists, and special guest Emma Kok, André Rieu brings you an unforgettable evening of classical favorites, pop hits, well-known melodies, waltzes, and film scores – all wrapped in joy, romance, and celebration.
André Rieu – Live in Dublin
André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra enchant you with romantic melodies, popular classics, lively party tunes, and beloved waltzes.This marks the maestro’s first recorded concert in the Irish capital in over 20 years, making it a truly special event not to be missed. Enjoy an evening filled with enchanting music, upbeat melodies, Irish classics, and the unmatched energy of the enthusiastic Irish audience!
André Rieu – Happy Days Are Here Again
After two years of no concerts, André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra returned to the stage in 2022 with the fitting motto: ‘Happy Days Are Here Again’. The stunning Vrijthof Square in Rieu’s hometown Maastricht is the backdrop of this rich-in variety concert. The violinist and entertainer is joined by his orchestra and choir, the Platin Tenors, sopranos Anna Reker and Micaela Oeste, a Hunting Horn band and the Great European Men’s Choir. This summer night is a magical experience, spreading joy and celebrating happy days full of music.