One remarkable pianist, one remarkable artist: Yuja Wang presents a very special concert from London’s Lightroom. She performs music by composers ranging from Bach to Berio, carefully selected in response to a series of artworks by David Hockney, which are shown in stunning 360-degree projections as she plays. The result is an all-encompassing audio-visual experience that seeks out connections between the senses, between art and music, and between two major cultural figures of our time.
Sibelius Symphony No. 1
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.
Sibelius Symphony No. 2
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.
Sibelius Symphony No. 3
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.
Carmina Burana
They are one of the most famous and most frequently performed works of classical music: Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana”. The Latin title refers to a collection of songs from Benediktbeuern dating from the 11th and 12th centuries with texts written in Middle Latin, Old French and Middle High German. Orff chose 24 of these songs, their topics ranging widely from the volatility of happiness and prosperity to the fleeting nature of life, from the joy of the return of spring to the pleasures and dangers of drunkenness, gluttony, gambling, and lust. At the Palau de la Música in València, the Orquestra de València, one of the great Spanish symphony orchestras, together with one of Spain’s oldest choirs, Orféon Pamplones, perform this epic work under the musical direction of Alexander Liebreich. They are joined by the excellent soloists Sara Blanch, Joaquín Asiáin and André Baleiro, creating a memorable musical evening.
Concierto de Aranjuez
A perfect summer evening in the spectacular Palau de la Música València where the Orquesta de Valencia performs Joaquín Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez”, under the direction of chief conductor Alexander Liebreich. The soloist on the classical guitar is the internationally acclaimed and multi-award-winning Croatian guitarist Ana Vidovic – one of the most impressive classical guitarists of our time. The Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo was always closely associated with València – it is the city where he grew up, studied, and later married. Since its foundation 80 years ago, the Orquesta de València has also identified with the heritage of Valencian culture, its composers, and the music of its homeland. The half-hour concert is a synthesis of the most diverse elements of Spanish music. It was quickly regarded abroad as the flagship of Spanish culture – and Joaquín Rodrigo as its ambassador. Interwoven with the concert recording, the documentary part of the program takes us to the Royal Gardens in Aranjuez, where Rodrigo was inspired to write his “Concierto de Aranjuez”. In interviews with conductor Alexander Liebreich, soloist Ana Vidovic and Cecilia Rodrigo, the composer’s daughter, we learn about the genesis of the work, how it was received and what the musicians associate with it.
The Passenger
Though composed as early as 1968, Mieczylaw Weinberg’s opera The Passenger received its first full staging only in 2010. The work – based on an 1962 novel by concentration-camp survivor Zofia Posmysz – was quickly recognised as one of the most important operas of the second half of the 20th century, and one whose themes are now as important as they’ve ever been. That first staging, by David Pountney, has gone on to receive classic status, and is here seen for the first time at Madrid’s Teatro Real, conducted by an artist who has been instrumental in the recent Weinberg revival, Mirga Gražinytè-Tyla.
Julius Asal plays Scriabin, Scarlatti and Brahms
Live from the Seoul Arts Center, pianist Julius Asal presents a recital juxtaposing repertoire from his acclaimed first album with one of the great piano sonatas of the Romantic repertoire. The first half sees him perform works by Scriabin and Scarlatti, woven together into a compelling musical whole through the inclusion of brief transitions created by Asal himself. For the second half, it’s the monumental Piano Sonata No. 3 by the 20-year-old Brahms. Cast in five movements it represents a powerful test of any performer’s technique, stamina as well as their sensitivity and musicianship – and promises to provide a rousing finale to this concert.
Il Volo in Agrigento
With million of fans all over the world, Il Volo, the Italian operatic pop trio, has achieved great international success. This special concert brings the trio in a exclusive location in the south of Italy: Il Volo performs in the Valle dei Templi, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and impressive monumental ensemble of Hellenic architecture in Sicily. An unmissable opportunity to hear the greatest hits that conquered the hearts of many, with the unique personalities of Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble.
Notre-Dame: The Renaissance
Over five years following the devastating fire, France’s renowned Notre-Dame de Paris has once again opened its doors, marked by a glamorous concert to honor its restoration. The event featured performances both within and around the cathedral, along with a breathtaking light show highlighting the structure’s exquisite façade. The cathedral welcomed a diverse lineup of performers, such as Pharrell Williams, Angélique Kidjo, Lang Lang, Benjamin Bernheim, Marion Cotillard, Yo-Yo Ma, Khatia Buniatishvili, Pretty Yende, and Daniel Lozakovich. The concert was conducted by Gustavo Dudamel and featured the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France.