Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra returns
Andris Nelsons, music director and conductor of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
The Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra will make a return on Tuesday night for a performance at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center under the lead of its music director and conductor Andris Nelsons.
Nelsons is undoubtedly one of the most recognized among the new generation of talented conductors. The 40-year-old was born to a Latvian family of strong musical background. He came to the attention of Latvian conductor Mariss Jansons at the early stage of his career, and Jansons has been a mentor since 2002.
In 2008, Nelsons became the principal conductor and music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He first guest-conducted the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in 2011.
In February 2018, he was officially appointed the music director of the orchestra.
Nelsons has kept his collaborations with top-tier orchestras like Berlin Philharmonic and Vienna Philharmonic, and will conduct the 2020 Vienna New Year’s Concert.
Latvian classical violinist Baiba Skride
Based in Leipzig, the German symphony orchestra dates back to 1743 when a musical society called the Grosses Concert began performing in private homes. Former principal conductors in its 275-year history include Felix Mendelssohn, Arthur Nikisch, Wilhelm Furtwangler, Bruno Walter, Kurt Masur, Herbert Blomstedt and Riccardo Chailly.
The orchestra is known for its unique timbre and appealing style. Programs for the Shanghai concert will include Dmitri Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 77 and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64.
The performance will feature Latvian classical violinist Baiba Skride, winner of the Queen Elisabeth Violin Contest in 2001 when she was only 20.
In 2005, her debut record won her the Echo Klassik Best Young Artist Award.
Skride is favored by some conductors and orchestras for her bright, intelligent style and mature skills. She is also a chamber musician.
Performance info
Date: June 4, 7:30pm
Tickets: 280-1,580 yuan
Venue: Shanghai Oriental Art Center
Address: 425 Dingxiang Rd, Pudong New Area
