Our first concert in January, 2013Under the baton of Zsolt Hamar and with the participation of a world-famous violinist, the orchestra takes us to fin-de-si?cle Vienna.

One of the leading figures of the period, Alexander Zemlinsky, created this setting of Psalm 83 as a young man in 1900 while having an affair with one of his students, Alma Schindler who would go on to become Gustav Mahler’s wife in 1902. One of the most beautiful works ever, the Adagietto dates from then. After the death of Mahler, Alma married the architect Walter Gropius with whom she had a daughter. Sadly, however, Manon Gropius died at the age of eighteen. Alban Berg dedicated his lyrical violin concerto to her memory. Stravinksy’s Le sacre du Printemps is performed on the 130th anniversary of the composer’s birth.

Three composers originating from Vienna – Mahler, Berg and Zemlinsky- were trying to answer to the same musical question and challenge. Their starting point and where they arrived differ, but their searching, and the way they addressed these questions are very much perceptible.

Exciting music must be introduced. I am sure everybody will like these pieces. Anyway: music should not be explained and understood but it should be experienced and sensed. Zsolt Hamar, conductor

From the Artist’s view

Three composers originating from Vienna – Mahler, Berg and Zemlinsky- were trying to answer to the same musical question and challenge. Their starting point and where they arrived differ, but their searching, and the way they addressed these questions are very much perceptible.

Exciting music must be introduced. I am sure everybody will like these pieces. Anyway: music should not be explained and understood but it should be experienced and sensed.

– Zsolt Hamar, conductor

The music of Berg is highly emotional. This piece is a truly passionate work, a real joy to listen to.
I am glad to play Alban Berg. He is one of the few composers that I feel are closest to me.

– Isabelle Faust, violinist on Berg’s Violin Concerto