Thrilling (узбудљиво) is the best word I can think of to describe the outstanding Belgrade Philharmonic performance at Great Hall last night! The musicians and conductor “owned the audience” from the first to last note. The Orchestra was led by prominent guest Conductor Howard Griffiths and featured a flawless performance by distinguished pianist Stephen Osborne.
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“The Kolarac Foundation promotes artistic music and culture in Belgrade. Concert Hall is the oldest and the most eminent performance venue in the city. It’s the venue for classical music concerts, including the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra and performances of jazz, ethno, and other music genres.” Kolarac Foundation
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Howard Griffiths Conductor
Renowned conductor Howard Griffiths was born in England and studied at the Royal College of Music in London. He’s lived in Switzerland since 1981. His impressive positions, accomplishments, and awards are too numerous to detail in this blog post. A few include – Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Zurich Chamber Orchestra and Music Director of the Brandenburg State Orchestra Frankfurt.
Griffiths has conducted worldwide tours in Europe, the USA, and China. He’s guest conducted leading philharmonic orchestras in UK, France, Poland, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, and more. He’s collaborated with renowned artists and soloists, conducted music for films, and created over a hundred recordings of classical and contemporary compositions.
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“In addition to his formidable career as a conductor, Griffiths has written three successful music books for children: The Witch and the Maestro, The Orchestral Mice, and The Flying Orchestra. Each was released with a recording of the concert version. All three books have been awarded prizes.”
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The distinguished conductor is “enthusiastic about new and unusual projects” and supports, promotes, and teaches young musicians. He was named a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 2006. In 2019, the State of Brandenburg awarded him the German Order of Merit for his artistic achievement and social commitment. His subtle but commanding stage presence is powerful.
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“Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) spent a large part of his career in the United States, where his most important works were composed – the New World Symphony, Quartet Op. 96 (American), and Second Cello Concerto.”
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Stephen Osborne Pianist
Steven Osborne – Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) – is a “treasured British musician with an immense depth and refinement of expression across diverse repertoires”. Some of his many accolades include The Royal Philharmonic Society Instrumentalist of the Year and awards from Gramophone and BBC Music Magazine. He’s performed at the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Vienna Konzerthaus, and Berlin Philharmonie.
Osborne holds residences at London’s Wigmore Hall, Antwerp deSingel and Symphony Orchestra, Bath International Music Festival, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. His recordings have won many awards and include a wide range of repertoires.
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“Some pianists gild everything they touch with their own personality; some are like chameleons, finding a new colour for each composer. Last night, the wonderful Scottish pianist Steven Osborne did both, which lent the whole evening a miraculous air…every note seemed to vibrate with intelligence” Daily Telegraph
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“Together, in a partnership of nearly forty years, Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears created a remarkable musical legacy.” Classic FM
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Program
The orchestra played to a sold-out house, with students standing and sitting in the aisles. Orchestral solos were outstanding. The performance included:
- Arvo Pärt Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten – “haunting 6-minute orchestral elegy for strings and bell, composed to honor the British composer following his death in 1976” and an example of Pärt’s tintinnabuli technique inspired by “Christian chant“
- Benjamin Britten Concerto for Piano and Orchestra
Dvořák is one of my favorite composers. The evening was very memorable, and I’m looking forward to another performance at Great Hall next week!