Hrůša, Gerstein & Bamberger Symphony Orchestra

Jakub Hrůša and his Bamberg Symphony Orchestra will perform Schumann's "Rhenish" 3rd Symphony as well as Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto. The soloist is the exceptional American pianist Kirill Gerstein. Final contributions to a genre are often something quite special: literally a lifetime of experience and a perfected craft meet the willingness to take artistic risks. The Bamberg Symphony Orchestra and their 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 is taken 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," in several composition commissions, which he awarded to, among others, Brad Mehldau and Chick Corea.

Program:
Ludwig van Beethoven // 1770-1827
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major op. 73 // 1808-09
// Intermission //
Robert Schumann // 1810-1856
Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major op. 97 "Rhenish" // 1850

Cast:
Kirill Gerstein | Piano
Bamberg Symphony Orchestra
Jakub Hrůša | 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, Grand Hall
Post-concert
After the concert, Foyer Grand Hall
Musical commentary and spontaneous discussions for lingering and reflecting.