Viktoria Mullova Joins in Collaboration
Brahms' Violin Concerto and Pictures at an Exhibition
Renowned violinist Viktoria Mullova will join David Ryalland, Artistic Director of the National Symphony Orchestra, for his farewell concert.
The National Symphony Orchestra announced on the 18th that Artistic Director Ryalland will conduct the orchestra for the last time at the upcoming regular concert on September 5. The program for the evening will feature Brahms' Violin Concerto and Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition."
Ryalland, who hails from Belgium, was appointed as the seventh and first foreign Artistic Director of the National Symphony Orchestra in 2022, leading the ensemble for three years. During his tenure, he reestablished the orchestra's classical and romantic roots through performances such as Haydn's "The Creation" and the Schumann symphony cycle. He also broadened the orchestra's expressive palette with French repertoire, including Berlioz's "Romeo and Juliet" and Ravel's "Daphnis et Chlo?." By recording works by Isang Yun and highlighting pieces by contemporary Korean composers such as Jeon Yeeun, Noh Jaebong, and Cho Yoonje, Ryalland expanded the National Symphony's role as a platform for contemporary music.
Reflecting on his upcoming farewell performance, Ryalland stated, "This stage is an opportunity to honor the journey of the past three years and to express my gratitude. The passion of Korean audiences and the dedication of the National Symphony members have been a great inspiration to me, and these experiences will remain a valuable asset in my future musical endeavors."
The concert will open with Brahms' Violin Concerto, featuring a collaboration with world-renowned violinist Viktoria Mullova. Born in Russia, Mullova gained international recognition after winning the Sibelius Competition in 1980 and the Tchaikovsky Competition in 1982. She became even more widely known in 1983 when she defected to Sweden with her partner, Vakhtang Jordania, during a performance in Finland. Mullova has a remarkably broad repertoire, spanning from Baroque to contemporary music and jazz. She is expected to deliver a profound interpretation and deeply personal narrative, capturing the essence of Brahms in this performance.
Brahms' Violin Concerto is a masterpiece that epitomizes the peak of Romanticism within a classical framework, distinguished by Brahms' signature rich harmonies and the intricate balance between orchestra and soloist.
The concert will conclude with Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition." Originally composed as a piano suite inspired by the works of his friend, painter and architect Viktor Hartmann, the piece was later orchestrated by French composer Ravel. The suite alternates between ten musical depictions of paintings and the recurring "Promenade" theme, which represents the footsteps of a visitor strolling through the exhibition, creating an immersive musical journey akin to walking through an art gallery.
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