Alena Baeva & Philharmonia Orchestra

The violinist Hilary Hahn, due to ongoing recovery from a double pinched nerve, is compelled to cancel her participation to this concert. We wish her a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, we are pleased to announce that Alena Baeva has agreed to take over the concert with the same concerto by Prokofiev.  Baeva is an internationally sought-after soloist who won the hearts of press and audiences with her latest album Fantasy (Alpha, 2024). She charms with impressive virtuosity and crisp articulation. 

In his last composition, the Symphonic Dances, Rachmaninov takes a nostalgic look back at the Russia he knew, and at his earlier work. The opening theme from his First Symphony makes an appearance, but we also hear his beloved Russian church music. In the final dance, Rachmaninov creates a magnificent contrast between the portentous Dies Irae motif and a song about the Resurrection. The Philharmonia Orchestra dazzles in these three dances, led by the young Finnish conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali, who is also perfectly at home with Sibelius. Rouvali’s recordings of the latter’s work have been widely acclaimed, so the picturesque En Saga is in good hands. The great violinist Alena Baeva also makes an entrance. Prokofiev’s colourful Second Violin Concerto is the perfect work to display her consummate technique and thrilling musicality.