Heroic musicians!
A heroes’ life on stage: that is what all young musicians dreams of. And it is exactly this technically demanding piece by Strauss, Ein Heldenleben, that a musician has to show case when auditioning for an orchestra. Whoever does well, will conquer the sought after spot on stage.
Before the break young artist in residence Sebastiaan Kemner, hero of the NJO Muziekzomer (NJO Summer of Music), will shine on trombone in the Trombone Concerto; a work dedicated by the composer Rouse to one of his musical heroes, Bernstein. The same Bernstein who wrote the second piece before the break: the very danceable On The Town, about three sailors who plan to rock New York on their day off. For: ‘New York, New York, it’s a helluva town.’ We swing along to Dance of the Great Lover, Pas de Deux and Times Square Ballet.
After the break we will follow the hero of Richard Strauss in six parts: he is introduced with heroic motifs. Follows a thrilling explanation, with opponents (wood and copper wind players), a lovely companion (violin) and a percussion battle.
At the end of this heroic existence, a copper fanfare will play a variation to the heroes’ motive. For the occasion of the Grachtenfestival, the Symfonieorkest will make a detour to visit Amsterdam for a special concert in the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ.
NJO Symfonieorkest Ein Heldenleben, conducted by Antony Hermus. Soloist Sebastiaan Kemner – trombone.
Introduction 8.30 pm: prior to the concerts, an introduction will be given by one (or more) of the lead performers.