5. Symphony Concert

Sun, April 27, 2025 11h
Igor Strawinsky The Firebird, Suite (1919)
Ludwig van Beethoven Leonore Overture No. 3 op. 72
Sergej Rachmaninow Rhapsody on a theme by Paganini
Edward Elgar Enigma-Variations

Mon, April 28, 2025 19:30 h
Ludwig van Beethoven Leonore Overture No. 3 op. 72
Sergej Rachmaninow Rhapsody on a theme by Paganini
Edward Elgar Enigma-Variations

This symphony concert marks the second time that the Stuttgart State Orchestra has invited its partner orchestra, the Baden-Württemberg State Youth Orchestra, to a joint concert in the Liederhalle. At the first concert on Sunday 27 April, the State Youth Orchestra, conducted by Johannes Klumpp, will first present the suite from Igor Stravinsky's ballet The Firebird, before the young musicians perform Ludwig van Beethoven's Leonore Overture No. 3 together with the members of the Stuttgart State Orchestra and the British conductor Kerem Hasan. Pianist Alexander Melnikov, who has already performed in renowned concert halls such as the Berlin Philharmonie, Wigmore Hall and Toppan Hall in Tokyo, will then interpret Sergei Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini. The work consists of a total of 24 variations on a theme from the famous Capricci for solo violin by virtuoso Niccolò Paganini. The artful transformation of a theme into different shades is also the focus of the Enigma Variations by British composer Edward Elgar, written in 1898. Each variation is dedicated to a specific person from Elgar's circle of acquaintances. As the title Enigma Variations suggests, the composer left behind a riddle with this work. It is a hidden theme that is never heard directly, but runs through the entire work. In the search for possible solutions, numerous theories have emerged over the years.