Music

“Superb. The ensemble precision is unrivalled.”
Herald Scotland ★★★★★

From Mariss Jansons to Vasily Petrenko
An orchestra built upon a rich artistic legacy

Co-founded by Edvard Grieg, the Oslo Philharmonic was propelled by former music director Mariss Jansons to international prominence. Critical acclaim has followed Vasily Petrenko’s work with the orchestra since he became Chief Conductor in 2013. From winning the 2007 Gramophone Award Young Artist of the Year, the 2010 Classical Brit Award Male Artist of the Year and transforming the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic into a star ensemble, he has gone on to galvanise the Oslo Philharmonic. Making his Hong Kong debut, Petrenko conducts two concerts of powerful Nordic and Russian music, featuring the enthralling Norwegian cellist Truls Mørk.

Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt inspired Grieg’s perennially popular suites. The atmospheric music conjures vivid images from Norwegian folklore: trolls, fjords and unforgettable sunrises. Mørk’s interpretation of Shostakovich’s first cello concerto, is followed by Rachmaninov’s second symphony. Bursting with heart-rending melody and intense emotion, both works are the epitome of Russian romantic repertoire.

Colourful re-imaginings of Nordic folk tunes by Tveitt open the orchestra’s second concert, followed by Elgar’s contemplative cello concerto. Written at the end of the World War I, this has been a keystone of the cello repertoire. Finnish composer Sibelius’ majestic second symphony, often seen as an emblem of his country’s national liberation, brings this programme to a rousing conclusion.

PROGRAMME

Mar 14
Grieg
Peer Gynt Suite No 1, Op 46

Shostakovich
Cello Concerto No 1 in E-flat major, Op 107
Cello: Truls Mørk

Rachmaninov
Symphony No 2 in E minor, Op 27

Mar 15
Tveitt
Excerpts from 100 Folk Tunes from Hardanger

Elgar
Cello Concerto in E minor, Op 85
Cello: Truls Mørk

Sibelius
Symphony No 2 in D major, Op 43