Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and Beethoven

If one were to name the symphony orchestra that reigns at the very pinnacle of prestige, it would have to be the Berlin Philharmonic. A superlative orchestra which, since its founding in 1882, has maintained its position as one of the world’s very finest. Its technical standard is impeccable, and conductors such as Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado and Sir Simon Rattle have ensured that its artistic level has never been in question.

The Berlin Philharmonic has visited Konserthuset only twice in the 21st century, and it has been 14 years since its last appearance, when works by Ravel and Schumann were on the programme. Now we finally have the opportunity to experience “the Berliners” once again at Konserthuset – this time in Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony, conducted by Chief Conductor Kirill Petrenko.

Beethoven is often described as serious and austere, but in this symphony he takes us on a relaxed and luminous musical journey into the countryside, disturbed only by a sudden storm. Joining the Berlin Philharmonic at Konserthuset is the Norwegian star pianist Leif Ove Andsnes, who performs his compatriot Grieg’s Piano Concerto – a true classic, full of passion and a warmly folk-inspired character.

The concert opens with Sibelius’s relentlessly surging Night Ride and Sunrise. This evocative tone poem depicts a rider’s journey through a dark and mysterious forest, until dawn finally breaks and the sun rises.

***