Dear visitors,
Welcome to our concert on 16 November 2024. We have also prepared a special programme for you this autumn.
We open with Brahms’ Tragic Overture, which has a serious character, but is certainly not only tragic. Then we accompany the talented young violinist Marcel Sutedja in Saint-Saëns’ sparkling Introduction et Rondo capriccioso. Finally, after the interval, we play Schubert’s Ninth Symphony. An impressive symphony that has the addition The Great’ for good reason.
On behalf of the orchestra and the board, we wish you much listening pleasure!
Programme
‘One laughs, the other cries’. This is how Johannes Brahms would have described his Academic Festival Overture and Tragic Overture. Whereas the former is full of cheerful student songs, the Tragic Overture, which we play for you tonight, is darker and more serious in character.
In this overture, Brahms seems to bring together the different characteristics of a symphony in one movement: the energy of a first movement, the seriousness of a funeral march as a second movement, the lightness of a scherzo as a third movement and the renewed dynamism of a finale.
The scoring, which includes (the not always usual) trombones and a tuba, gives the work a solemn, dark sound.
Introduction et Rondo capriccioso by Camille Saint-Saëns is a sparkling piece for violin and orchestra, composed in 1863. It was originally written for the famous violinist Pablo de Sarasate, and it shows: it is full of virtuoso passages and technical challenges for the soloist.
The piece begins quietly and elegantly with the Introduction, a graceful movement in which the violin plays beautiful, slow lines. But soon comes the Rondo capriccioso, a much livelier and more playful section. The piece lives up to its name: it is whimsical and full of surprises, as if the music keeps changing direction.
Although technically challenging for the violinist, it sounds light-hearted and joyful, making it a favourite piece with musicians and listeners alike.
– Interval –
Symphony No 9, ‘The Great’, by Franz Schubert was composed around 1825-1826, but was not performed for the first time until 1839. That was over a decade after Schubert’s death. Yet this is one of his most impressive works. The nickname ‘The Great’ therefore does not necessarily refer to the length of the piece, but also to the ‘grandeur’ of the music.
The symphony begins with a long, majestic introduction, in which the horns introduce a beautiful theme. Schubert combines his typical lyrical style with energy and rhythmic power, making the piece full of contrasts: sometimes soft and dreamy, other times full of pace and drama.
Although Schubert did not enjoy the fame he deserved during his lifetime, this symphony is now considered a masterpiece, befitting the transition from classical to romantic music. It is a symphony full of rich melodies and beautiful moments!
The symphony consists of four movements, as follows:
- Andante – Allegro ma non troppo
- Andante con moto
- Scherzo – Allegro vivace
- Finale – Allegro vivace
Soloist
Marcel Sutedja, a 17-year-old violinist, is studying at the Koninklijk Conservatorium in The Hague. His musical journey began in 2012 under the guidance of Koosje van Haeringen, and since 2017 he has been studying with Kerstin Hoelen.
His exceptional talent has earned Marcel an impressive array of prizes and awards, including the prestigious Davina van Wely Prize at the Dutch Violin Competition in 2024 and first prize at the Ysaÿe International Music Competition in 2018.
Marcel’s virtuosity has taken him to some of the most renowned venues, such as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and he has participated in the Children’s Prinsengracht Concert. He has also showcased his talent internationally, with appearances in leading competitions and on television, including the programmes ‘Podium Klassiek’ ‘Podium Witteman’ and ‘Superkids.’
Marcel’s musical journey is one of dedication, passion and extraordinary talent.
Conductor and orchestra
Dominic Sierat, the resident conductor of the orchestra since May 2022, has an impressive background as both conductor and trombonist. His passion for music and broad experience contribute to the growth and development of the orchestra.
As a conductor, Dominic has been active in various orchestras and projects since the age of 18. Besides his role as a conductor, Dominic is also a talented trombonist. He works as a freelancer with various orchestras and ensembles in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Dominic is creative and enthusiastic and strives for innovation. He likes to use his experience from professional practice as a classical musician for the further development of the ZSO.
The Zuid-Hollands Symfonie Orkest (ZSO) is a relatively young orchestra, founded in 2000, with its home base in The Hague. The orchestra is known for its combination of ambition and fun, which gives its members ample opportunity to showcase their talent and develop further.
Besides classics such as Beethoven, Brahms and Schubert, the orchestra also performs more modern pieces by composers such as Gershwin, Rachmaninov and Rimsky-Korsakov.
Through this variation in repertoire, the ZSO works to develop flexibility and musicality. As a result, weekly rehearsals remain varied and challenging, and this contributes to the growth and artistic development of the orchestra members.