Members of the Orchestra

Mozart's 27 piano concertos are all musical highlights. Here's a unique opportunity to hear the only one he composed for two pianos and orchestra. An exquisite dialogue unfolds between the two soloists, who are the young and increasingly acclaimed pianists Sebastian Iivonen and John Nalan, both from Sweden.

We also hear Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations, one of classical music's most popular works. Elgar had entertained his wife one evening with musical caricatures of people in their circle of friends, which grew into a series of variations for orchestra. "At first, I worked in a humorous spirit and continued seriously", Elgar recounted.

Between Mozart and Elgar, we hear new American music inspired by jazz, spirituals, hip-hop, and rock, while rooted in the classical tradition with a distinct American flavour. Jessie Montgomery was raised in Manhattan's Lower East Side in New York, an environment that strongly influenced her music.

Lina González-Granados from Colombia makes her debut with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra in this concert. She is a super talent who has had great success in the Sir Georg Solti International Conducting Competition and has assisted Riccardo Muti at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual Gärdet concert by the Maritime Museum is an indispensable tradition for Stockholmers. It’s a chance to pack a picnic basket or buy food on-site and enjoy sublime music and perhpaps a sing-along on the green grass.

Norwegian conductor Cathrine Winnes, former chief conductor of the Swedish Wind Ensemble and known to a wide audience, not least through the SVT series She Composes Like a Man, leads the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. Guest artist is none other than the beloved Nisse Landgren, on both vocals and trombone. Fredrik Andersson, programme director of Konserthuset Stockholm, guides through a varied repertoire featuring several Nordic elements, historical classics and newer pieces.

In cooperation with Dagens Nyheter.

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Welcome early to Gärdet in front of the National Maritime Museum. The area opens at 11.00 with activities for children in our tent. Bring your own picnic or buy food and beverage on site. Walk there along beautiful Djurgårdsbrunnsviken or take bus 69 from Centralen. 

Helena Munktell’s romantic Suite for large orchestra is a piece that the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra has never before performed in its entirety. The music was composed in 1895, and like the now often performed Bränningar, this suite was premiered in Monte Carlo in the late 19th century.

Next, we hear the young Swedish soprano Jessica Elevant tackle Wagner's Wesendonck Songs – music filled with burning longing and celestial beauty. Jessica Elevant has recently gained attention for her participation in Daniel Nelson's opera Pride and Prejudice at the Norrlandsoperan. This marks her debut with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.

Another debutant is Sergej Bolkhovets – as a conductor, that is. He has previously been a violin soloist with the orchestra. He leads the orchestra in Shostakovich's first symphony. Already in this symphony, Shostakovich demonstrates his phenomenal ability to handle the orchestra. It's personal music with humorous twists and great finesse. A remarkable symphonic debut by a 19-year-old composer.