Mahler Chamber Orchestra / Anna Prohaska
Bach / Benjamin / Boulez
One of the World’s Best Chamber Orchestras
The Mahler Chamber Orchestra is something special in several respects. Originally founded by the great Claudio Abbado, the ensemble not only has the reputation of being »the world’s best chamber orchestra« (Le Monde); in addition, it is made up of musicians from 20 different nations, and as a »nomadic collective« it gives concerts all over the world, at least in Corona-free times, and plays without a permanent conductor. Without a conductor at all, but with the fine soprano Anna Prohaska as star guest, the MCO now makes its second appearance this season with a completely new programme.
Johann Sebastian Bach’s wonderful wedding cantata »Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten« for soprano, oboe and strings is followed by a Fantasia from the pen of British composer George Benjamin, who conducts the MCO himself at their first concert two days before. One of the great universal geniuses of music history is represented in tonight’s many-faceted programme in the shape of Pierre Boulez, while the concert is brought to a close by Benjamin Britten’s impressive cycle of orchestral songs »Les Illuminations«.
Performers
Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Anna Prohaska soprano
Júlia Gállego flute
Vicente Alberola conductor (Boulez)
Matthew Truscott violin and director
Programme
Johann Sebastian Bach
Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten BWV 202 »Hochzeitskantate«
George Benjamin
Fantasia 7 nach Henry Purcell
Pierre Boulez
Mémoriale / ... explosante-fixe ... originel
Benjamin Britten
Les Illuminations op. 18