In the incredibly popular symphonic suite Scheherazade, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov takes us into the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. The composer’s ability to colour his music was impressive, and the work is full of scenic melodies. Soloists and orchestra really get to shine here, led by Spanish conductor Jaime Martín.
The folktale collection One Thousand and One Nights can be traced all the way back to the ninth century. In the story, Scheherazade begins a new tale each night, and manages to get the king so eager to hear the end that he abandons his cruel and evil killing plan.
We also get to hear a brand new piece of Swedish music: a vivid cello concerto. Award-winning composer Mats Larsson Gothe, who also participated in the concert project Nordic – A Fragile Hope, composed the concerto for his friend, cellist Torleif Thedéen, who is the soloist for the evening. Delicate, floating melodies and grand drama can all be heard here. The concerto makes use of all the emotional material a cello is capable of: longing and dreams, rage and resignation.
Come closer
Have a seat in the Great Hall an hour before the concert and let the introduction open the door to the stories behind the works, facts about the composers and personal reflections. The introduction is included in your ticket, lasts about 30 minutes and has free seating in the hall.
