SHOSTAKOVICH/GERSHWIN – MUSIIKKITALO, HELSINKI, FINLAND

15 March 2019
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Joonas Ahonen

“…an unbeatable performance of Shostakovich’s fourth symphony. One powerful climax after another led to the final blow, followed by fading heartbeats”

“In Saraste´s interpretation everything was in place…the best performance I have ever heard in concert, and I have heard many”

16 March 2019
Jukka Isopuro, Helsingin Sanomat

OUT NOW: RECORDING OF COMPLETE BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY CYCLE WITH WDR SINFONIEORCHESTER

The symphonies, recorded live in Cologne and released as box set, will be released soon on the PROFIL HAENSSLER label.
Read more

MENDELSSOHN: ELIJAH – THEATER AN DER WIEN, VIENNA, AUSTRIA

16 February 2019
ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Christian Gerhaher(Elijah), Maria Bengtsson, Maximilian Schmitt, Ann-Beth Solvang, Kai Rüütel

“Leading the Radio Symphonieorchester Wien, Jukka-Pekka Saraste furiously breathed life into the dense score with great clarity and urgent intensity, yet holding the orchestra back sufficiently to let the singers shine.. A fine musical evening, its power originating from its starkness.”

18 February 2019
Judith Belfkih, Wiener Zeitung

Read more

NEW PRODUCTION OF MENDELSSOHN’S ELIAS AT THEATER AN DER WIEN

Mendelssohn’s oratorio, directed by Calixto Bieito, will receive its premiere in Vienna on February 16 2019.
Read more

SHOSTAKOVICH/BRUCKNER – GREAT FESTIVAL HALL, SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

14 November 2018
WDR Sinfonieorchester, Alban Gerhardt

“…this shows how exciting Beethoven can sound without period instruments.”

“The outstanding sound of the orchestra was most apparent in the funeral march, which was a triumph not least thanks to the fabulous woodwinds. And have you ever heard the three horns in the Scherzo played more brilliantly? At any rate, this Beethoven interpretation seemed to work like a charm.”

15 November 2018
Salzburger Nachrichten, Florian Oberhummer

SHOSTAKOVICH/BRUCKNER – COLOGNE PHILHARMONIE, GERMANY

10 November 2018
WDR Sinfonieorchester, Alban Gerhardt

“Powerful outbreaks of energy, brilliant crescendi and beautifully staged transitions.

…The perfomance was highly convincing and captivating; brilliantly played.”

12 November 2018
Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, Markus Schwering

Read more

WDR SINFONIEORCHESTER IN SALZBURG AND VIENNA

The orchestra plays Bruckner, Beethoven and Shostakovich at the Salzburg Festpielhaus and Konzerhaus Vienna this November.
Read more

DEBUSSY/SAINT-SAENS/SIBELIUS – SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, AUSTRALIA

17,19&20 October 2018
Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Jean-Yves Thibaudet

“…superb performance…

…well-judged tempo contrasts, scrupulous dynamic control, dark-hued, unvarnished sonorities and tight-knit ensemble created a dramatic, intensely expressive interpretation that revealed an insightful understanding of the symphony’s distinctive structure and each movement’s specific character.”

18 October 2018
Murray Black, The Australian

Read more

BERG/MAHLER – TONHALLE MAAG, ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

12, 13&14 September 2018
Tonhalle Orchester Zürich, Janine Jansen

“Saraste’s first movement was given an emphatic, exhilarating reading…graceful and elegant in the Ländler, properly savage in the Rondo-Burleske.
The final ‘dying’ movement was a glory, with enchanting solos from both concertmaster Andreas Janke and principal viola Gilad Karni. After almost inaudible closing bars, Saraste held the audience in the palm of his hand before allowing them to start the generous applause.”

14 September 2018
John Rhodes, Seen and Heard International

Read more