Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra 01
Last year's Festival performance of Mahler's mighty Ninth Symphony by Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra showed beyond doubt why it is hailed as one of the world's truly great ensembles. The orchestra returns for a residency under the magnificent direction of its Chief Conductor, Mariss Jansons.
Shostakovich wrote his First Symphony when he was just a student. It is a precociously assured piece, lively, witty and full of biting satire.
French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet is a master of sparkling technique and poetic lyricism, both qualities an ideal match for Ravel's heartfelt Piano Concerto in G, with its infectious jazz rhythms and bittersweet slow movement.
The orchestra brings its concert to an opulent conclusion with the hedonistic glory of Ravel's sumptuous ballet score Daphnis et Chloé.