Philzuid

The great Austrian composer Franz Schubert lived only 31 years. Despite illnesses and loneliness, the hard-working Schubert managed to leave behind an awe-inspiring body of work. With his groundbreaking lieder and symphonies, Schubert forms an indispensable link between the classical tradition and later romanticism. Tragically, his deeply personal work was only truly valued after his death. Top conductor Hartmut Haenchen and Philzuid present a full-length tribute to Schubert.

The main feature of the evening is his Ninth ‘Great’ Symphony, in which Schubert condenses all his compositional passion and ingenuity. For Schubert himself, this symphony represented his pursuit of the highest art. Tragically, Schubert never heard his magnum opus live. Many orchestras at the time found the sprawling symphonic epic too demanding for their musicians. Today, his Ninth Symphony is one of Schubert’s most performed works. The expansive Andante has lost none of its tender allure. As an added surprise, Haenchen will conduct parts of Schubert’s dance-like music for the theatrical work Rosamunde, Princess of Cyprus.

During this special Schubert soirée, celebrated Dutch baritone Thomas Oliemans is the special guest. In a short period, Oliemans has become a Schubert specialist. “Exceptional and with a captivating result,” praises NRC his Schubert interpretations. With his deeply moving rendition of Schubert’s Winterreise, Thomas Oliemans has celebrated great successes on concert stages. Now, Oliemans and Philzuid will perform unique, rarely heard orchestral arrangements of Schubert’s lieder. Renowned colleagues such as Brahms, Liszt, Reger, and Berlioz dressed Schubert’s finest songs in orchestral attire. Experience classic songs like Erlkönig and Ständchen as you’ve never heard them before.