In 1950, Polish composer Witold Lutosławski received a commission from the Warsaw Philharmonic: “Write something brilliant with which the orchestra can celebrate its rebirth.” His Concerto for Orchestra was composed as a sign of recovery from the devastation of the German occupation.
Some seventy years earlier, Antonín Dvořák also received an interesting commission. A business-minded publisher asked him to write music that would be a hit among the bourgeois families who practiced music at home: catchy pieces based on material from Dvořák's childhood in the Bohemian countryside. The resulting Slavonic Dances became an enormous success and made Dvořák famous all over the world.
Duration approximately one hour, no interval.
Yes, but only before or after the concert. During the concert we just want you to enjoy the music. This way you won’t disturb the musicians or other audience members.
Only the orchestra has a dress code. You can dress as you like.
You can give the ticket to a friend or donate it to a music student by calling 09-3102 2700 or sending an e-mail to helsinki.philharmonic@hel.fi by 3pm on the day of the concert.
