Swiss Orchestra #14: “Swiss Romance”

Description

Cast:
Thomas Hampson, baritone
Swiss Orchestra
Lena-Lisa Wüstendörfer, conductor Concert Program:
Franz Schubert
‍Overture to “Die Freunde Von Salamanka,” D. 326 George Templeton Strong
“Trois Aquarelles” for Voice and Orchestra
Choral on a Theme by Leo Hassler (“Wenn Ich Einmal Soll Scheiden”) Gustav Mahler
“Des Knaben Wunderhorn” for Voice and Orchestra:
Song of the Persecuted in the Tower
Where the Beautiful Trumpets Blow
The Heavenly Life
Urlicht Joachim Raff
“Abends,” Rhapsody for Orchestra, Op. 163b Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
‍Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90 – “Italian” About the Program:
He is considered an intellectual among singers, was named one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” by People Magazine in 1993, is one of the great Mahler experts of our time, and caused a sensation as Don Giovanni—not only at the Salzburg Festival: we’re talking about Thomas Hampson. “A concert,” says the American baritone, “is a special experience for me, with a unique atmosphere. What matters most is the message contained in the poetry and the music. People need stories that invite them to reflect on their humanity. I know of no better way to do this than by singing songs.” Together with the Swiss Orchestra, Hampson is now bringing Gustav Mahler’s orchestral songs to the stage. And the entire concert is brimming with stories that unfold around the themes of love, longing, nature, freedom, and transience. So it’s about the truly great themes. And, quite simply: about truly beautiful music. Joachim Raff’s “Abends” opens up a poetic soundscape of twilight: a dreamy pause that defines the transition from day to night as a quiet, lyrical time. Mahler’s “Wunderhorn” songs offer a relentless portrait of the world—with all its contradictions, its tragedy, and its (grotesque) humor. They speak of the longing for freedom, of love and death, of comfort and visions of the afterlife. In addition to Mahler’s orchestral songs, Hampson also sings George Templeton Strong’s “Trois Aquarelles.” Like painted miniatures, these songs unfold delicate atmospheric scenes, fleeting and transparent. It is no coincidence that the title refers to the visual arts: Strong—himself a painter—works musically with timbres, nuances, and allusions, rather than with grand gestures. Finally, Felix Mendelssohn’s “Italian Symphony” tells of travel impressions and southern joie de vivre—in a sense, an idealized sonic vision of the South. Rhythmic vitality, dance-like lightness, and radiant colors define its character. And then there is Schubert’s overture, which is also about friendship—a theme that cannot be missing from our kaleidoscope of emotions and that forms yet another facet of that vast collection of stories that makes this concert evening unique.

Highlights

• Featuring American baritone Thomas Hampson
• Performance of Mahler’s “Wunderhorn” songs
• Conducted by Lena-Lisa Wüstendörfer

General Information

The concert will take place at Tonhalle Zürich, showcasing a blend of classical works including pieces by Schubert, Mahler, and Mendelssohn. Thomas Hampson will lead the Swiss Orchestra in a program that explores themes of love, nature, and humanity.

Location

Claridenstrasse 7, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland

Hide Map

Loading map...

How to get there

Get Directions