Prokofjev: Romeo and Juliet

For 400 years, Shakespeare’s works have been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for composers. Iago’s jealousy, Lady Macbeth’s evil, Falstaff’s gluttony, the enchanted forest romance in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ariel and Caliban’s eternal battle in The Tempest; all are themes that have given rise to countless musical expositions. But the undying love between Romeo and Juliet, the family conflict of life and death and the final tragedy for the young lovers, might be the drama that has left the deepest musical traces.

Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto has been described as “one of a kind” and is known for his curiosity and exploration of his repertoire. He has a special feeling for conducting ensembles from his violin. Pekka Kuusisto is Artistic director of the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra. From and during the 2023/24 season, he will be principal guest conductor and artistic co-leader of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. He is Artistic Partner of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony as well as Artistic Best Friend of Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie in Bremen. He is an advocate of contemporary music and performed the 2021 world premiere of Bryce Dessners Violin concert with HR Sinfonieorchester. He has also recently premiered works of Sauli Zinovjev, Daníel Bjarnason, Anders Hillborg, Philip Venables and Andrea Tarrodi.