The Lucerne Festival Orchestra under Riccardo Chailly continues its Rachmaninov journey on Lake Lucerne. The program includes the rare Symphonic Movement in D minor, the Symphonic Dances, Op. 45 and the Scherzo in D minor. In the spotlight: the shooting star Alexander Malofeev, who performs the Piano Concerto No. 1. Alexander Malofeev, who attracted the attention of the classical music world at a young age, is, according to Riccardo Chailly, “more than just a child prodigy” and, despite his young age, possesses not only technical mastery but also a musical maturity that makes him the “ideal Rachmaninov interpreter”.
Christmas with Benjamin Appl
The acclaimed baritone Benjamin Appl is constantly on the move, primarily in Europe, Japan, and South America. Now he returns to his hometown of Regensburg and joins forces with the Regensburger Domspatzen and soprano Elsa Dreisig to give a Christmas concert featuring carols from around the world. Melodies by John Rutter, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Cécile Chaminade, Michael Praetorius, as well as Traditionals from France, Sweden and Austria resound in the Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady to the Ancient Chapel in Regensburg. The international Christmas programme musically draws on the traditions of multiple cultures and regions, hence appealing to a wide audience.
Macelaru conducts La Damnation de Faust
90 years of the Orchestre National de France – that’s something to celebrate! To mark this special occasion, chief conductor Cristian Macelaru has decided to perform a work by the great Hector Berlioz. And what could be more suitable for this anniversary concert than La Damnation de Faust?
Berlioz himself described the work at the interface between symphony and opera as a “dramatic legend”. It achieved great popularity, not least due to the famous Rákóczi March, and enjoys cult status among many music lovers.
To present Berlioz’s work in all its glory, the Orchestre National de Fe is supported by the Chœur de Radio France as well as tenor John Irvin (Faust), mezzo-soprano Stéphanie d’Oustrac (Margarethe) and the two basses Paul Gay (Mephisto) and Frédéric Caton (Brander). The performance is further enhanced by the magnificent Art Deco décor of the Théâtre des Champs Elysées.
Vikingur Olafsson – Goldberg Variations from Harpa
Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson has made a profound impact with his remarkable combination of highest level musicianship and visionary programmes. His recordings for Deutsche Grammophon have captured the public and critical imagination. In October 2023, Ólafsson releases his anticipated new album on Deutsche Grammophon of J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Ólafsson has dedicated his entire 2023-24 season to a Goldberg Variations world tour, performing the work across six continents throughout the year. He brings Bach’s masterpiece to major concert halls of the world and in this recording from the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland, he is performing Goldberg Variations “at home”.
Jonas Kaufmann – The Sound of Movies
Jonas Kaufmann is an ardent film enthusiast and now, for the first time, he brings this passion to the
stage. In his new program, „The Sound of Movies,“ Kaufmann presents film music hits from 80 years of film history, featuring music from various eras and genres including Ennio Morricone, Hans Zimmer, and musical hits like “West Side Story” and “The Sound of Music.” The program offers a cinematic experience for the ears, culminating in a captivating journey through the magic of cinema.
RCO: Mäkelä conducts Bruckner 5
In the field of Bruckner’s symphonies, the Concertgebouw Orchestra has built up an enviable reputation. For this reason, a performance of the Fifth Symphony together with conductor and artistic partner Klaus Mäkelä, is a not-to-be-missed opportunity. “It is in my opinion the greatest achievement as far as the symphonic form goes.” (Klaus Mäkelä)
RCO: Honeck conducts Bruckner 8
Discover Anton Bruckner, architect of mighty symphonic buildings, in the monumental Eighth Symphony under the baton of Manfred Honeck. Bruckner’s Eighth is a mighty fortress and a thrilling ride from darkness into light. Its world is, by turns, complex, gracious, peaceful, and turbulent – Bruckner invites you in, takes you along, and never lets you go.
The Glass Menagerie – A ballet by John Neumeier
Tennessee Williams established his reputation as a prominent American writer of the 20th century through his play The Glass Menagerie, a deeply personal family drama known as a “Memory Play.” Initially staged in Chicago in 1944, the work faced rejection in Hollywood before finding success on Broadway. In 2019, John Neumeier reinterpreted The Glass Menagerie for the Hamburg Ballet, incorporating elements from Williams’ life. The ballet featured music by American composers Charles Ives, Philip Glass, and Ned Rorem, along with snippets from Williams’ own plays. This adaptation marked 75 years since the play’s debut, showcasing the enduring influence of Williams’ work in different artistic forms. The themes of memory, family dynamics, and personal struggles in The Glass Menagerie continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, reflecting Williams’ lasting impact on the literary and performing arts scene.
Hope on the Road – South Africa
Together with his father, Daniel Hope travels to his native South Africa. 30 years after the end of apartheid (1994), he not only explores his family history there, but also the rousing music that was part of the political transformation of the rainbow nation. Golda Schultz, Vusi Mahlasela and many others support him in his work.
Magic Moments of Music – Angela Gheorghiu „La Traviata“ at Royal Opera House
It was a uniquely magic moment of music. In what would be the first and only time, the BBC dedicated its prime time weekend schedule to broadcast an opera live to an audience of millions. In place of popular motoring programme Top Gear, the British public were treated to La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi. Legendary conductor Sir Georg Solti convinced decision-makers at the BBC that it was time to introduce a phenomenal singer and performer to the world: Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu. Until this moment, Gheorghiu was a talent known only to a few. Solti himself was at the podium to conduct La Traviata for the first time in his storied career, while the staging was by theatre and feature film director Sir Richard Eyre – likewise working on his very first opera. Eyre agreed on one specific condition. “I wanted a soprano as described by Verdi himself: young, elegant and with a voice full of passion.” Angela Gheorghiu had all of these qualities and more. In an interview she said: “During the broadcast I felt that my time had arrived. I was in no doubt: it was now or never!” Alongside Angela Gheorghiu, who the film accompanies 30 years later to the Royal Opera House in London – the birthplace of her global success – are memories and reflections from tenor Frank Lopardo, who sang the role of Alfredo, opera director Sir Richard Eyre, BBC film director Peter Maniura, French-Danish singer Elsa Dreisig, conductor Marie Jacquot, opera critic Nick-Martin Sternitzke and the writer Salomé Balthus.