Premiere: Utopia

Programme:
Dmitri Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No 2 in F major Op. 102
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 4 G Major

With the founding of Utopia in 2022, Teodor Currentzis fulfilled his dream of an orchestra composed of members from various international orchestras, who come together to form a creative community on a project-by-project basis. The Greek-Russian conductor then purposefully selects music, which he respectfully but fearlessly strips of its patina. His musical vision is achieved after careful study of the scores together with the temporary orchestra. Of course, Currentzis polarises with (not only) this, but if you allow yourself to be drawn into his interpretations, the music will become an immersive experience. Whether explosive, sweeping waves of sound or soft, barely audible pianissimi, Currentzis promises to surprise with touches you have never heard like this before. The second piano concerto marks the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich’s death, after which Currentzis, who has already established himself as one of the great Mahler conductors of our time with Utopia, turns his attention to Mahler’s fourth symphony. It goes without saying that Aphrodite Patoulidou and Alexander Melnikov share the artistic vision of Utopia, doesn’t it?

Utopia Orchestra
Alexander Melnikov piano
Aphrodite Patoulidou soprano
Teodor Currentzis conductor

supported by the Karin und Uwe Hollweg Stiftung