Göteborgs Konserthus Debussy Days

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Here we meet two works by the composer Debussy. His Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun takes us from morning to midday at sea, to an afternoon in the company of the dangerous faun, half-goat and half-human. This piece of music caused a sensation when it first arrived and is felt by many to have initiated the era of modern music with its hypnotic, intoxicating sounds. Debussy’s music often conveys associations with an impressionistic shimmer, but here there are also pure forces of nature that find expression in the storms of the sea and the faun’s erotic desires.

The second work – La Mer (The Sea) – represents a milestone in the orchestral repertoire with its three ”symphonic sketches”. Debussy’s friend and colleague Satie rather insultingly stated that he ”liked the bit about quarter to eleven” in the first movement of The Sea.

This evening the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra is joined by the brilliant pianist Alice Sara Ott. On this occasion she treats us to a Ravel’s amazing Piano Concerto for the Left Hand i D major.

The conductor Eivind Gullberg Jensen is artistic director at the Norwegian National Opera in Bergen. As of this season, he is also chief conductor of the Dutch symphony orchestra NNO. Eivind Gullberg Jensen has previously been a guest of the Gothenburg Symphony in the production of Peer Gynt.

Santtu-Matias Rouvali is unfortunately ill and has had to cancel his participation in the concert. He is replaced by the conductor Eivind Gullberg Jensen.

Listen

Get to know the classic works.

Get to know the pianist Alice Sara Ott.

Introduction to the concert

Take a seat in the Great Hall one hour before the concert begins and learn more about the music you will soon experience! You will get the stories behind the music, knowledge of the composers and own reflections about the classical pieces. The introduction last for about 30 minutes, it is free and free seating in the hall. Warm welcome!