Beethoven at the grand piano and Schumann by the Rhine

The evening begins with music by Lisa Streich from Värmland. Her music is frequently performed by leading orchestras in Europe. This evening, we will hear her work *ALV* performed by the Norrlandsoperan Symphony Orchestra.

Next up is Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, often called the “Emperor” Concerto. Here, the piano and the orchestra take turns carrying the music forward. The soloist is British pianist Paul Lewis, known for his interpretations of Beethoven. The concert is part of Beethoven Year 2027, marking the 200th anniversary of the composer’s death.

Next on the program is Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 3, sometimes called the “Rhine Symphony.” It was composed after Schumann moved to Düsseldorf and was inspired by the landscape along the Rhine River. Be sure to listen especially closely to the fourth movement, which is solemn and is said to evoke the feeling of a grand cathedral.