On April 4-5 at Lotte Concert Hall
Part 2 Shostakovich 'Leningrad'
The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) will perform Elgar's Cello Concerto with cellist Daniel M?ller-Schott, conducted by SPO Music Director Jaap van Zweden, at the Lotte Concert Hall on the 4th and 5th of this month.
Cellist M?ller-Schott, born in Munich in 1976, is regarded as one of the three leading German cellists of the 21st century alongside Alban Gerhardt and Johannes Moser. At the age of 15, he won the Tchaikovsky Youth International Competition in 1992. He is renowned for his meticulous analysis of music and exceptional tone, having received awards such as the Golden Diapason, Gramophone Editor's Choice, and Opus Klassik. M?ller-Schott performs on the Venetian cello "Ex Shapiro," made by Matteo Goffriller in 1727.
M?ller-Schott is expanding the cello repertoire by collaborating with contemporary composers. He gave the world premiere of Andr? Previn’s Cello Concerto, dedicated to him, with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, and also premiered Sebastian Currier’s new work at Carnegie Hall in New York. In May this year, he will serve as the artistic director of the Swiss Vevey Spring Festival.
This will be the third collaboration between the SPO and M?ller-Schott. In 2012, he performed Elgar’s Cello Concerto with the SPO conducted by Michel Plasson, and in 2019, he played Prokofiev’s "Symphony-Concerto" with the SPO under the baton of Alejo P?rez.
Elgar’s Cello Concerto is considered a masterpiece of Romantic cello concertos alongside works by Dvo??k and Schumann. Composed shortly after World War I ravaged Europe, the piece reflects the late Elgar’s remorse and melancholy bidding farewell to a glorious era and life. Although somewhat heavy, gloomy, and sorrowful, it offers comfort and resonance to the listener’s heart.
In the second half, the SPO will perform Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7, "Leningrad." This is the first time in 14 years since the SPO’s performance conducted by Stefan Asbury in 2010.
Shostakovich composed "Leningrad" during World War II when the Soviet government issued a total mobilization order. It is a requiem dedicated to his hometown Leningrad, which was under siege by the Nazis. Shostakovich described this work as "a poem of war and a hymn to deep-rooted national spirit." The symphony reflects the spirit of resistance and patriotism of the people against fascist or oppressive invaders and plunderers, as well as the emotions and thoughts amid the war.
This symphony is the longest among Shostakovich’s 15 symphonies, with a total performance time of about 70 minutes. The four movements sequentially depict the images of "War," "Memory," "Wilderness," and "Victory." The first movement, lasting about 30 minutes, prominently portrays the war. The second movement recalls memories of cheerful events or amusing episodes that commonly occur in daily life. The third movement expresses reverence for the beauty and wisdom of nature and mourning for the victims. The final fourth movement conveys "the forthcoming victory" with brilliant fanfares and powerful, vigorous playing.
Ticket prices range from 10,000 to 120,000 KRW depending on seat grade and can be purchased through the SPO website and call center. SPO website members can receive a 10% discount for up to four tickets per person. Members up to the age of 24 are also eligible for a 40% discount.
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