La Grande Gare

Teodor Currentzis is back with his Utopia Orchestra, where first-class musicians from numerous ensembles come together to prepare programs with him. This time we will be hearing two pivotal twentieth century works: Stravinsky's Rite of Spring and Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 1. The soloist will be violinist Daniel Lozakovich, who despite his young age is already performing on all of Europe’s leading stages.

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos are among the highlights of Baroque instrumental music – and yet they are not often heard in concerts. Their great virtuosity and demanding instrumentation make live performances on historical instruments a particular challenge. The Balthasar Neumann Orchestra brings these works to the stage in all their variety.

The Balthasar Neumann Orchestra and Balthasar Neumann Choir present music by Gabriel Fauré and Max Reger. Fauré's Requiem is one of the most popular settings of the liturgical mass for the dead. With their late Romantic chromaticism, Reger’s works make the greatest demands on singers. French conductor Lionel Sow was director of the Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris and the Choir of the Orchestre de Paris, and for several years has led the choir of the National Forum of Music in Wrocław.

We’re eagerly looking forward to this Ninth. Because the Festspielhaus and its audience have been familiar with the thoughtful and convincing interpretations of the Balthasar Neumann ensembles for years. The vocal soloists are also known in Baden-Baden from opera and concert performances. On the podium will be Pablo González, former chief conductor of Spain’s RTVE Symphony Orchestra and internationally sought-after guest conductor.