Two centuries of classics
2nd First Night subscription concert
Works by Bridge, Britten and Beethoven
For the first time ever, The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen awarded the title ›Artistic Best Friend‹ in 2017 to the exceptional Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto who, since 2002, has enjoyed repeated success in his frequent collaborations with the orchestra. For many years he has embodied pure musical versatility. No school, no tradition and no fashion, nothing has been able to compromise his artistic ideals. As in previous years, this year, too, sees Benjamin Britten in sharp focus for Kuusisto’s guest appearance in Bremen. Britten has long been one of the classics of the modern age. The year 1937 held a very special significance for Britten; he lost his mother and found Peter Pears as both friend and life partner. He also wrote his ›Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge‹. The same Bridge took Britten under his wing as a composition student in 1927 and remained Britten’s lifelong mentor. Due to an arm injury, Pekka Kuusisto is unfortunately not able to perform the solo part in Beethoven‘s Violin Concerto. Vilde Frang has very kindly agreed to step in at short notice. Pekka Kuusisto will however be conducting the ensemble as advertised and the programme remains unchanged.
