Beethoven the 5th

Now with classic top hit (Ta-ta-ta-taaa!), Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Schumann’s romantic Cello Concerto.
McMillan/Larghetto
Schumann / Cello Concerto
Beethoven / Symphony No. 5

Conductor: Manfred Honeck
Soloist: Kian Soltani

The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra has a reputation to uphold in Heerlen. ‘An event about which people will ask years from now: were you there too?’ wrote De Limburger about the last time the Rotterdammers put a Beethoven symphony on the lectern in Heerlen. And they’re back! Now with classic top hit (Ta-ta-ta-taaa!), Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Schumann’s romantic Cello Concerto.

And we are very much looking forward to that. Because the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra is not just any orchestra. It is distinguished by the intense energy of its concerts, its critically acclaimed recordings and its innovative approach to audiences. Who doesn’t remember the YouTube video that went around the world during the corona lockdown, in which all musicians, each from their own home, but still connected together via the internet, played Alle Menschen were Brüder. So that! Tonight they – fortunately really together – are on stage with us in Heerlen for a beautiful romantic program.

Manfred Honeck; world famous and beyond
Conductor Manfred Honeck is praised for his characteristic interpretations. And he is also well known. In 2019 he led the London Philharmonic in Heerlen. “I’d love to come back,” he said afterwards. With the Rotterdammers he gives his overwhelming vision of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. If that isn’t the number one classic top hit. Everyone knows him. With the four opening notes, Beethoven let fate knock at the door. But they also stood for the (morse code short-short-short-long) V of victory with which BBC radio broadcasts from England opened during World War II, they incorporated works into popular disco hits, and in 1977 shot into infinite space on board of Voyager to let any inhabitants of distant galaxies hear what a human is.

Soltani’s Stradivarius, ‘pure perfection’
Before the break, Kian Soltani will be the soloist in Robert Schumann’s beloved, romantic Cello Concerto. This top cellist from Persia was described by The Times as “a most remarkable cellist” and praised by Gramophone for his “pure perfection”. Soltani’s playing is characterized by deep expression and technical mastery. He has established himself as a soloist on the major world stages, celebrated triumphs with renowned orchestras, and signed an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon. With his Stradivarius cello and his charismatic stage presence, he immediately creates an emotional bond with the audience.

Introduction: Toine Sporken

Source : PLT Website