Philzuid

Antonín Dvořak is unsurpassed as a sound painter of natural panoramas. Philzuid combines his breakthrough symphony, the Fifth, with Ginastera’s sparkling Harp Concerto. In the Czech Republic, they are very proud of their musical godfather, Antonín Dvořak. With his Fifth Symphony, Dvořak discovered his own voice as a composer. In this pastoral symphony, Dvořak interweaves the energy of his beloved Slavic folk music with the grandeur of the classical tradition. Echoes of great heroes such as Beethoven and Wagner occasionally shine through, but with the Fifth, the Bohemian master leaves his mark on symphonic history as never before. The Andante is of an idyllic beauty, while the Finale definitively fulfills all of Dvořak’s symphonic ambitions. Chief conductor Duncan Ward and Philzuid embark on a fraternal expedition with Dvořak.

But the voyage of discovery does not end there. Together with the amiable Belgian harp magician Anneleen Lenaerts, a permanent member of the Vienna Philharmonic, the orchestra sets course for the exotic Argentina of Alberto Ginastera. Lenaerts will perform as soloist in a rare performance of Ginastera’s Harp Concerto. Ginastera’s work is considered a classic among nimble-fingered harp virtuosos. Ginastera wrote an extremely complex work for the willing harpist, but the listener can enjoy it to the fullest. In the three-part work, Ginastera conceals robust rhythms, sultry harmonies, and seductive melodies. Following Dvor k’s example, Ginastera lets the listener drift away over the endless Argentine pampas, but also picks up the tempo with biting and flashy harp passages. In the beautiful, slow second movement, the harp soloist interprets the lonely voice in a vast, desolate landscape. In an extensive cadenza in the finale, the harpist is allowed to pull out all the stops in the old-fashioned way. Harpist Anneleen Lenaerts and Philzuid offer a unique opportunity to experience this groundbreaking harp concerto live once again.

Program

Vaughan Williams – Ouverture The Wasps
Ginastera – Harp Concerto, op. 25
Dvořák – Symfony No. 5