Friday 6 September 2019

Santtu-Matias Rouvali, Gothenberg Symphony season opener





Gothenberg Symphony Orchestra (Götesborgs Symphoniker) season opener with Santtu-Matias Rouvali conducting Lief Ove Andsnes in Edvard Grieg Piano Concerto, Shostakovich Symphony no 5 and Jennifer Higdon Loco. Rouvali's been appointed Chief Conductor at the Philharmonia, taking over from Esa-Pekka Salonen : a seriously important, high profile position. but no surprise at all to those who have heard him, in Gothenberg and In London. Outstanding recording of Sibelius Symphony no 1. When it comes to conductors, he's the genuine article - very music focussed and clear sighted.  And so is the Götesborgs Symphoniker who  punch way above their weight - much livelier and more enthusiastic than many bigger orchestras. I also like their hall, which is so small that the piano is placed on a special platform but this scale seems to give performances a very personal, intimate feel. Listen to more on GSO replay on the orchestra's website and mark your calender for 26th September when Rouvali leads the orchestra in Sibelius Symphony no 4, Nielsen Symphony no 4 and Magnus Lindberg's The Accused with coloratura Anu Komsi. It's good - please read more about it HERE.  





Below, last night's concert :

No comments: