SummerConcerts: Dvořák's Symphony Nr. 8 and Mozart with Yeol Eum Son

South Korean pianist Yeol Eum Son has received worldwide praise for her virtuosity and expressiveness. On August 16, she will play Mozart's heavenly Piano Concerto No. 22 at The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The Antwerp Symphony Orchestra will also perform Dvořák's exuberant Eighth Symphony. Buy your tickets here!

Dvořák's Symphony No. 8

“The melodies flow naturally from my pen,” said Antonín Dvořák, when he was working on his Eighth Symphony in the summer of 1889. He had retired to his summer home on the Czech estate Vysoká and the idyllic country life inspired him enormously. The result is a fun and lively symphony full of singing birds and compelling Slavic folk dances.

Along with the Seventh and the Ninth Symphonies, this symphony is without doubt one of Dvořák's major achievements. The Antwerp Symphony Orchestra plays Dvořák's Eighth under the direction of Eduardo Strausser, the charismatic Brazilian who has been a guest with the Antwerp orchestra several times.

Yeol Eum Son plays Mozart

Son first drew international attention in October 2004 at the age of 18 when she appeared as a soloist performing Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Yeol Eum Son made further waves when, in 2011, she came second at the prestigious International Tchaikovsky Competition.

She has performed with, among many others, the London Symphony Orchestra, The Budapest Festival Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Plus, she has performed under direction of world renowned conductors such as Sir Neville Mariner, Sir Anotinio Pappano and Jaap van Zweden. NRC called her previous performance in Het Concertgebouw “a fireworks show", referring to her fascinating, nimble playing. This time the South Korean pianist solos with Mozart's heavenly Piano Concerto No. 22. Mozart wrote it in 1785, at the height of his fame as a composer and virtuoso pianist.

Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 22

Embark on a captivating musical journey with Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 22. The orchestra starts with a series of varied themes ranging from majestic fanfares to heartfelt Figaro-like melodies. The piano’s entrance takes us on a journey that ends emphatically with the return of the original themes.

Then comes the slow movement: full of emotion, with piano solos of breathtaking melancholy, on which the woodwinds shine a mellow light. The finale dances with joy, with virtuosic episodes for the piano mingled with strong rhythms. Book your tickets today!

SummerConcerts in Het Concertgebouw

This concert is part of the SummerConcerts in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. In July and August, you can enjoy beautiful classical concerts, swinging jazz and pop, and legendary film music. Are you feeling the summer vibes already? You can enjoy a CHANDON Garden Spritz-cocktail in the interval and after many concerts there is a Meet & Greet or a DJ performing. The SummerConcerts are powered by VriendenLoterij.

Thumb image: © Jaehyong Park