Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra

Conductor: Edward Gardner

Cankarjev dom Music Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra

Soloist: Nicola Benedetti, violin

Programme:
Engelbert Humperdinck, Overture to the opera Hansel and Gretel
Max Bruch, Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
*
Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky, The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (ballet, a selection of excerpts)

The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, a veteran among symphony orchestras (1765), whose proud heritage inevitably intertwines with the music of the most famous Bergen-born artist, Edvard Grieg, has been writing new success stories under its Chief Conductor, Edward Gardner. Gramophone 2015 Artist of the Year, Gardner has been making a lasting international imprint with his spirited stage presence, bold programming and dynamic relationship with the musicians. The successful partnership was crowned with the coveted 2021 Opera Recording of the Year Award (Gramophone Classical Music).

Bruch's popular violin concerto, a work of great lyrical beauty and emotional sincerity – on this evening bookended by fairy tales, Hansel and Gretel and The Sleeping Beauty, – will be played by the inspiring Nicola Benedetti, winner of the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo, and the 2021 BBC Music Magazine’s Personality of the Year Award, as well as the first woman director of the Edinburgh International Festival.

The Bergen Philharmonic is a musical family to me… I’d never been at the helm of a civic orchestra before. I love the importance of an artistic institution being embedded within a community.
Edward Gardner

The orchestra played with fizzing energy and glorious colour.
Bachtrack

Benedetti… Huskily urgent, coaxing in the slow movement’s melody, elsewhere she’s all sinew and intent and ferocity, guiding us through densest passages with the intelligence of her phrasing.
iNews

Benedetti makes her violin sing and dance, rage and lament.
Classical Music