Brahms’s legendary Violin Concerto was intended as a showcase for the talents of his friend, violinist Joseph Joachim. Famed for its lyrical melodies and rich orchestration, this masterpiece has long been cherished by virtuoso violinists. We eagerly anticipate Concertmaster Jing Wang’s interpretation of this great classic. After a short but disastrous marriage, Tchaikovsky restored his sanity by penning the Fourth Symphony in which he contemplates the hand of Fate in life. Very pleased with his work, he dedicated this life-affirming symphony to his “best friend” – Nadezhda von Meck.

Programme
TCHAIKOVSKY：Variations on a Rococo Theme
SHOSTAKOVICH：Symphony no. 7, Leningrad

Jian Wang, one of the most popular cellists, has travelled an extraordinary journey. In the upcoming concert, he will revisit a golden age of elegance with Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations, conducted by Maestro Jaap van Zweden. Completing the programme is Shostakovich’s Leningrad Symphony, a musical tour de force written in the war-ravaged city, honouring the indomitable spirit of the Russian people.

Programme
YE XiaogangThe Song of the Earth
MAHLERDas Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth)Listen

Described by Mahler expert Deryck Cooke as “music of indescribable beauty and poignancy” compelled by the appalling tension felt in the composer’s own spirit, Das Lied von der Erde “has a new, naked kind of harmonic texture and orchestration which…is like no other in music.” The “song-symphony” uses texts from Tang Dynasty poems in free German translations. In this concert, under the helm of Principal Guest Conductor Yu Long, native Chinese composer Ye Xiaogang’s composition presents these ancient Chinese poems in their original language.