6. Philharmonic Concert

On this evening, we will perform one of the most beautiful and moving piano concertos and one of the most impressive symphonic poems. The concert will be conducted by our new principal conductor and artistic director Felix Mildenberger.

In terms of the size of the orchestra, instrumentation and sound, An Alpine Symphony is Richard Strauss’s most important symphonic poem. This masterpiece of orchestration describes a mountain hike from the ascent at sunrise to the descent at sunset. The path leads past streams, through forests and over glaciers to the summit and from there back through a violent storm. Strauss describes this with sophisticated orchestration and some unusual effects.

Chopin’s famous Piano Concerto No. 1 is a far cry from such forces of nature. Its sparkling melodies in the first movement, its poetic, heartfelt tone in the second and the dance-like character of the third movement have made this piano concerto a favourite with audiences.

The solo part is played by »Artist in Residence« Alexander Krichel, who regularly upholds his international reputation with performances in London, New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Kyoto, Mexico City, Oslo, Warsaw and other musical capitals.

The concert is conducted by Felix Mildenberger. He works with excellent sensitivity, precision and clarity and has been awarded the Festival of Nations’ »Prix Young Artist of the Year«, among other honours. His collaborations with top-class orchestras such as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre National de France and the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich testify to the class of this young conductor.