Béla Bartók Gala - Masterworks

Via these three absolute masterpieces, the Belgian National Orchestra shows how the Hungarian Béla Bartók is one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.

His Second Violin Concerto, an important milestone in the repertoire, is a daring and virtuosic masterpiece that still surprises us by its modernity. The rich harmonies, brilliant orchestration and Hungarian folk influences make it an intense musical experience. This concerto challenges the soloist with its technical feats and expressive depth, while the orchestra creates a fascinating soundscape.

In the suite from the ballet The Miraculous Mandarin, composed between 1918 and 1924, Bartók presents a different sound. The influence of the Impressionists and Schoenberg is palpable here, which further emphasises his versatility as a composer. This groundbreaking work, once considered shocking and which was even banned, brings a dark and dramatic story to life with rousing rhythms, sharp dissonances and exotic timbres. The music, full of tension and emotional power, grips you from its first notes and draws you into a world of seduction, crime and mysticism.

Known for her brilliant… refined, expressive, intense (Cleveland Plain Dealer) and absolutely stunning (Chicago Tribune) playing, the Netherlands violinist Simone Lamsma is respected by critics, colleagues and audiences as one of the most outstanding and fascinating musical personalities in classical music. With an extensive repertoire, Simone has been a guest of many of the world's leading orchestras and has performed with leading conductors such as Jaap van Zweden, Antonio Pappano, Paavo Järvi and others.

Programme

• Béla Bartók Vioolconcerto nr. 2, Sz. 112, BB 117

pauze (20')

• Béla Bartók Two Pictures, Op. 10, Sz. 46, BB 59
• Béla Bartók The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, Sz. 73, BB 82

More info

www.nationalorchestra.be

conductor Antony Hermus with Simone Lamsma, (violin) photo Merlijn Doomernik

With the support of  the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Belgium and the Tax Shelter of the Belgian Federal Government via Casa Kafka Pictures. Thanks to the players of the National Lottery.