Repertoire

Olga Neuwirth: Dreydl (2021) 12′ – National premiere
William Walton: Viola Concerto (1929) 26′
Jean Sibelius: Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39 (1890) 40′

ARTISTS

Barcelona Symphony Orchestra (OBC)
Antoine Tamestit, viola
Nicholas Collon, conductor

Programme

During the pandemic, the artistic world almost ground to a halt. Olga Neuwirth’s Dreydl was born from this crisis, at a time when – in the composer’s own words – “time stood still and no one knew what the future would bring”.

William Walton’s Concerto for Viola was received with greater optimism. Its success not only made it one of the most outstanding works for this instrument today, but the young composer was dubbed a genius and considered to be the greatest representative of British music’s present and future.

Jean Sibelius likewise became a symbol for his country. His First Symphony went on to become one of his protest works, when its writing coincided with the February Manifesto, which weakened the Grand Duchy of Finland and subordinated it to Russia. The symphony brought the composer worldwide fame, while becoming a reflection of the Finnish people’s struggle.