Tchaikovsky & Beethoven

The programme for this concert brings together two titans of music history: Ludwig van Beethoven and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Beethoven composed his Third Piano Concerto at the dawn of the nineteenth century, thereby bridging the gap between Mozart’s classical elegance and the emotional height of Romanticism. According to tradition, Beethoven played the piano part largely from memory during the premiere, as the score had barely been put to paper.

Eighty-five years later, Tchaikovsky demonstrated what Beethoven had pioneered. His dramatic Fifth Symphony, rich in exquisite melodies, is an absolute highlight of the Russian repertoire. Whilst Tchaikovsky himself once conducted the first performance, the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra today welcomes a true specialist to bring this score to life.

Originally, conductor laureate Jaap van Zweden was to conduct this concert, but unfortunately he has had to withdraw for health reasons. However, we are particularly proud that the internationally acclaimed Vasily Petrenko has agreed to replace him. As Music Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London, Petrenko is regarded worldwide as the leading authority on the Russian symphonic repertoire. His award-winning interpretations of the great Russian masters are considered the definitive benchmark internationally.