To celebrate its 80th anniversary, the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra presents a season finale of exceptional calibre – featuring world-renowned guest artists, a true orchestral classic and an extraordinary world premiere. Founded in 1945 amidst the ruins of Hamburg, the orchestra became a beacon of humanity and community in a world torn apart by war, ideology and brutality. Eight decades on, its founding ideals feel more relevant than ever. For this special occasion, Iranian composer and kamantcheh virtuoso Kayhan Kalhor unveils his new work »Venus in the Mirror«, written in the spirit of »peace and friendship«. This double concerto, created for himself and his long-time companion Yo-Yo Ma, draws on their 25-year friendship as members of the Grammy-winning Silkroad Ensemble and receives its world premiere in Hamburg.
In the second half of the evening, principal conductor Alan Gilbert leads the orchestra with a performance of Berlioz’s »Symphonie fantastique«. This monumental work is one of the most celebrated orchestral works in the history of music, and for good reason. Few compositions from the 19th century match its explosive intensity and visionary brilliance.
Performers
NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester
Kayhan Kalhor kamancheh
Yo-Yo Ma violoncello
conductor Alan Gilbert
Programme
Kayhan Kalhor
»Venus in the Mirror« double concerto for kamancheh, violoncello and orchestra (world premiere) / Commissioned by Morgenland Festival Osnabrück, University Musical Society in Ann Arbor and NDR
– Interval –
Hector Berlioz
Symphonie fantastique / Épisode de la vie d’un artiste, Op. 14
