Göteborgs Konserthus Beethoven Violin Concerto

Beethoven’s only violin concerto did not gain renown until after his death. Now it is one of the most beloved. The soloist and orchestra are woven together in a lively discussion here. Popular Japanese violinist Akiko Suwanai has everything necessary for this virtuosic challenge.

As introduction, we hear a powerful piece that draws inspiration from Beethoven. Subito con forza is written by Unsuk Chin, one of Europe’s most noted female composers.

Composer Modest Mussorgsky was a prominent figure of nineteenth-century Russian music. He possessed a bold, raw sense of individuality which challenged the romantic tradition. He composed his “Pictures” in honour of an artist who had passed away.

The ten pieces of music take listeners down into the Parisian catacombs, to the hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and to marvel at a sketch of an enormous gate in Kiev (which was never built). Maurice Ravel took on the task of adapting the innovative piano piece into a challenging orchestral suite.

The young conductor Kahchun Wong was born in Singapore and explores both Eastern and Western legacies. He is chief conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and also works with leading ensembles in Europe and the US. We now get to see him in Gothenburg.

Come closer

Have a seat in the Great Hall an hour before the concert and let the introduction open the door to the stories behind the works, facts about the composers and personal reflections. The introduction is included in your ticket, lasts about 30 minutes and has free seating in the hall.