NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra / Paavo Järvi

The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra’s intense performances of Shostakovich’s »Leningrad« Symphony under Paavo Järvi were among the highlights of last season. Luckily, the Hamburg public need not wait too long for the return of the Estonian star conductor. The symphony he brings with him this time is no less monumental: Bruckner’s rarely performed Second, about which one critic wrote after the 1873 premiere: »It is no ordinary mortal speaking through this music. It contains flashes of ideas; phrases and expressions of undeniable originality. A unique melodic life.« In contrast, we’re unlikely to associate twelve-tone composer Alban Berg with »melodic life«. The opening piece in this concert may therefore come as something of a surprise: Berg’s »Seven Early Songs« are pure Romanticism, interpreted by Laura Aikin.

Please note:Hanna-Elisabeth Müller has regrettably been forced to cancel her appearance in this concert due to illness. Laura Aikin has kindly agreed to step in as soprano in Alban Berg’s »Seven Early Songs«.