Göteborgs Konserthus Nordic Light

Event has already taken place

Irresistible classics from the Nordic repertoire with the Gothenburg Symphony. As crowning achievement, a lyrical cello concerto by Saint-Saëns with soloist Truls Mørk. Conductor Osmo Vänskä is replacing previously announced Neeme Järvi.

We are treated to a sky sprinkled with brightly shining Nordic stars. With a lot in common. There will be irresistible classics from Stenhammar and Sibelius and Norwegian Truls Mørk is the soloist in Saint-Saëns’ lyrical cello concerto.

The composer Wilhelm Stenhammar was chief conductor in the early years of the last century and is still one of the cornerstones of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra today. The symphonic overture Excelsior! was written by a young, aspiring and passionate Stenhammar. As chief conductor, he would later link his friend Jean Sibelius to the orchestra. His Symphony No. 6 from 1923, which we hear tonight, is dedicated to Stenhammar.

As a Frenchman, Camille Saint-Saëns may fall outside the Nordic framework. Just like Stenhammar he probably could have just as easily made a career as a concert pianist. However, the universal genius Saint-Saëns also had an ear for cello music. His Cello Concerto No. 1 is said to be number 1 of its kind for quite a few conductors. Tonight’s soloist Truls Mørk has the heart and hand to do French Romanticism justice.

Conducting is Finnish conductor veteran Osmo Vänskä, previously esteemed music director of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, USA.

Unfortunately, following a temporary injury, Honorary Conductor Neeme Järvi has had to withdraw from his concerts with the Gothenburg Symphony in Gothenburg and Lugano. He expects to resume conducting again at the end of the year. Neeme Järvi very much looks forward to conducting the Gothenburg Symphony again as soon as possible.

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. Welcome!