WDR Sinfonieorchester / Håkan Hardenberger / Iveta Apkalna / David Robertson
Sofia Gubaidulina / Jörg Widmann – Elbphilharmonie Visions
World-class on organ and trumpet
Both belong to the world’s musical elite, yet each come from completely different ends of the instrumental spectrum: the Swede Håkan Hardenberger, who »The Times« declares to be »the best trumpeter in the galaxy«, and his Latvian colleague Iveta Apkalna, resident organist at the Elbphilharmonie, whose »art of organ playing is beyond any others, and beyond any doubt«, according to the industry magazine »Organ«. As part of the first-ever »Elbphilharmonie Visions« festival, there is now a rare opportunity to experience these two giants in their respective arenas in concert alongside one another. Together with the WDR Sinfonieorchester, they perform stirring works by two of the most important composers of our time: Jörg Widmann and Sofia Gubaidulina.
Visions as a package: If you buy three or more concerts of the »Elbphilharmonie Visions« festival at the same time, you will receive a 30% discount on the ticket price. To do so, select »Visions Trio Bonus 30%« in the shopping basket.
»The trumpet is a noble instrument,« says Jörg Widmann. »It never sounds sentimental, even playing the most sublime of melodies.« His »angelically lyrical« trumpet concerto »Towards Paradise«, dedicated to Håkan Hardenberger, also takes up that same idea. Afterthis work, a small ensemble from the orchestra comes together for the premiere of a brand-new work by Widmann. There is no question that this work is an experience too: »My wish for myself is that every piece turns out differently, for the simple reason that I don’t want to get bored,« he says. The second half is dedicated to the now 90-year-old Sofia Gubaidulina, who has lived near Hamburg for many years and whose work speaks of a deep-rooted faith. Her composition »Der Reiter auf dem weißen Pferd«, sublime in its transparency, is perfectly honed by Iveta Apkalna on the organ.
Performers
WDR Sinfonieorchester
Håkan Hardenberger trumpet
Iveta Apkalna organ
conductor David Robertson
Programme
Sofia Gubaidulina
Der Reiter auf dem weißen Pferd für großes Orchester und Orgel
Talk with Jörg Widmann, Sofia Gubaidulina and Barbara Lebitsch
Jörg Widmann
Towards Paradise (Labyrinth VI) für Trompete und Orchester
Festival
Elbphilharmonie Visions