Hrůša, Gerstein & Bamberger Symphony Orchestra

Recent final works are often something truly special: literally a lifetime of experience and a perfected craft meet the willingness to take artistic risks. The Bamberg Symphony Orchestra and its chief conductor Jakub Hrůša present the final works of two giants of the 19th century: Ludwig van Beethoven's fifth and last piano concerto is paired with Robert Schumann's third and chronologically last symphony, the "Rhenish" op. 97. It is no coincidence that both works are in E-flat major – although the key appears more heroically opulent in Beethoven, while in Schumann it can be romantically flowing, as a lively Ländler, or as a solemn chorale. The solo part of the piano concerto will be performed by Kirill Gerstein, an exceptional pianist and extraordinarily versatile artist: he began studying jazz in Boston at just 14 years old before fully dedicating himself to classical music. Nevertheless, he invested the prize money from the Gilmore Artist Award, which he received in 2010 for his "masterful technique, tonal differentiation, and musical curiosity," into several composition commissions, which he awarded to, among others, Brad Mehldau and Chick Corea.