International Concert Series with WNO Orchestra Smetana, Debussy, Dvořák
Overview
Tomáš Hanus returns to conduct WNO Orchestra’s first ICS concert of 2019/20
Smetana Má Vlast 'Vltava'
Debussy La Mer
Dvořák Cello Concerto Op 104
Tomáš Hanus, WNO’s popular and critically acclaimed Music Director, returns to conduct the WNO Orchestra at this year’s International Concert Series. For our opening concert, Tomáš is joined by renowned German cellist Daniel Müller-Schott who performs one of the finest cello concertos ever written.
The afternoon performance opens with Vltava from Smetana’s Má Vlast, one of six symphonic poems by the Czech composer in the latter half of the 19th century. Swirling currents and national sentiment flow through the composer’s uplifting evocation of the River Moldau in his native Bohemia.
Continuing the maritime theme is Debussy’s symphonic masterpiece La Mer. Completed in 1905 at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, this is a surging musical seascape wonderfully capturing the play of light on water in the English-channel.
To close the concert, Dvořák’s Cello Concerto wistfully echoes the spirit of his homeland and pays tribute to his lost love Josefina in its central song-like slow movement.
WNO ICS concerts supported by Mathew and Lucy Prichard
The role of WNO Music Director is supported by Marian & Gordon Pell
David Adams (Leader of WNO Orchestra) is violin soloist for the final ICS concert of 2019/20