One of Switzerland’s leading orchestras, the Basel Symphony Orchestra has a broad repertoire ranging effortlessly from the Viennese classics to contemporary music. Whether in the concert hall or the opera house, this internationally varied group of musicians constantly demonstrates its unique flexibility and artistic prowess. The orchestra performs a set of three concerts presenting visually inspired music with its roots in minimalism.
The concentrated and mysterious sound world of Arvo Pärt is heard very effectively in his beautifully meditative These Words, for strings and percussion.
Nyman’s Concerto for Trombone pits the soloist dramatically against sections of the orchestra; the trombone is supported by strings and brass but chivvied and chased by woodwind and metal percussion (including steel filing cabinets!), the latter having started out benign and tuned but becoming increasingly hostile and untuned.
Commissioned by Carnegie Hall in honour of the composer’s 65th birthday, Philip Glass’ Plutonian Ode Symphony is based on Allen Ginsberg’s poem of the same name, its three movements following the three parts of the poem about nuclear pollution, healing, and epiphany. Dennis Russell Davies conducted the world premiere in 2002.
Part of Zurich International Orchestra Series 2013-14.
From 6.30pm: free pre-concert music in the Culford Room
The Marmen Quartet performs Arvo Pärt’s Fratres and Beethoven’s String Quartet in E flat, Op. 74.
Rachmaninov's captivating Paganini Rhapsody, with pianist Andrei Korobeinikov, and Shostakovich's dramatic Tenth Symphony from this great Russian orchestra. Tchaikovsky's Souvenir de Florence...
The acclaimed pianist and 'best orchestra in the world' perform Beethoven Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 4, alongside two stunning chamber works by Stravinsky.
Libor Pešek conducts two much-loved works - Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 with soloist Chloë Hanslip, and Dvořák's 'New World' Symphony. Johann Strauss' Overture to Die Fledermaus opens the...
The superb Belgian orchestra explores French music including Ravel's Piano Concerto and Daphnis et Chloé Suite, Debussy's Jeux and Dukas' The Sorcerer's Apprentice.
Stravinsky's The Firebird Suite, Ravel's jazzy Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, with soloist Andreas Haefliger, and Rimsky Korsakov's colourful Scheherazade. Michel Tabachnik conducts.
An all-Russian programme: Mussorgsky's dramatic Night on the Bare Mountain, Stravinsky's glittering ballet music to Petrushka, and Tchaikovsky's beautiful Sleeping Beauty Suite.
This distinguished orchestra performs Kodály's exquisite Dances of Galánta, Rachmaninov's First Piano Concerto, with solost Barry Douglas, and Beethoven's cheerful 'Pastoral' Symphony.
Sir Roger Norrington conducts an all-Mozart programme of the First and Last Symphonies, and Piano Concerto No. 21 with Jonathan Biss, the brilliant American pianist.
John Adam's captivating The Chairman Dances, Philip Glass's Cello Concerto No. 2 (based on music to the film Naqoyqatsi) with soloist Matt Haimowitz, and one of Michael Nyman's best film scores,...
Two works by Tchaikovsky full of drama and anguish, Francesca da Rimini and the Fourth Symphony, plus Shostakovich's virtuosic Cello Concerto No.1 with the acclaimed cellist Guy Johnston.
This period-instrument orchestra performs an all-Berlioz programme including the exquisite song-cycle Les nuits d’été, with mezzo Michèle Losier, and the passionate Symphonie fantastique.
