Jacquot, Tamestit, Apkalna & WDR Symphony Orchestra

The WDR Symphony Orchestra will have a new chief conductor starting from the 2026/27 season: the young French conductor Marie Jacquot is already a well-known figure in Austria and has been the first guest conductor of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra since the 2023/24 season. In her debut in Linz, Jacquot has put together an exceptionally versatile program featuring two international soloists: in the first half, the Pilgrims' Chorus, which begins with Richard Wagner's overture to "Tannhäuser," meets the 2018 concert for viola and orchestra "La Nuit des Chants" by the French composer Thierry Escaich. Inspired by songs of the American Navajo, archaic sounds of a mysterious shadow world unfold here. The solo part will be taken by the world-renowned violist Antoine Tamestit, who is also the dedicatee of the work. In the second half of the concert, Camille Saint-Saëns' opulent "Organ Symphony" will be performed. "Here I have given everything I could... I will never write anything like this work again," said the composer himself about the piece. The exceptional Latvian organist Iveta Apkalna will be featured on the organ.

**Program**
Richard Wagner // 1813–1883
Overture to the opera "Tannhäuser and the Singers' Contest at Wartburg" // 1845
Thierry Escaich // * 1965
"La Nuit des Chants. Concert for Viola and Orchestra" // 2018
// Intermission //
Camille Saint-Saëns // 1835‒1921
Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 78 "Organ Symphony" // 1885‒86

**Cast**
Antoine Tamestit | Viola
Iveta Apkalna | Organ
WDR Symphony Orchestra
Marie Jacquot | Conductor

**Linz Sound Menu Around the Concert**
**Prelude**
18:45, Middle Hall
Short musical introduction with young musicians followed by a concert introduction with free admission

**Concert**
19:30, Large Hall

**Post-concert**
After the concert, Foyer Large Hall
Musical commentary and spontaneous conversations for lingering and reflecting.