Göteborgs Konserthus Rachmaninoff The Bells

What could be more atmospheric than the sound of bells? Close your eyes and imagine the horse-drawn sleigh and torches in a swirl of snow, arriving for Christmas at a church beside the shore of a frozen lake. Sergei Rachmaninoff is believed to have said that his choral symphony, The Bells, is the best piece he ever composed.

But festive cheer takes on a different tone when master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, is behind the lyrics, performed by vocal soloists Iwona Sobotka soprano, Daniel Brenna tenor, and Kostas Smoriginas baritone, the Gothenburg Symphony Choir and the Gothenburg Symphony Vocal Ensemble. The delicate bells of the first movement transition into a warning, ominous tone and soon, the lonely sound of sorrow.

Acclaimed British conductor Nicholas Collon debuts with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. He does well with pressure; for example, in 2021 he became the first non-Finnish chief conductor of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, a leading country when it comes to the number of talented conductors per capita. In other words: this is a debut you won’t want to miss.

The concert concludes with Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1, with the Finnish master’s signature passion and tension.

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!