Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

Cyrano de Bergerac is the title character of Edmond Rostand's verse novel of the same name. Dutch composer Johan Wagenaar paid tribute to the big-nosed poet portrayed in the novel with a romantic overture for large orchestra. This magnificent, almost quarter-hour-long heroic epic in music is followed by one of the most beautiful instrumental concertos in the history of music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. And to conclude the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra's two-day guest performance with Lahav Shani: Johannes Brahms, who loved to mislead his contemporaries with false references to his works. He wrote to his publisher about his Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73: «I have never written anything so sad and minor: the score must appear with a black border.» Brahms laughed to himself, as this sun-drenched symphony is considered a particularly heartfelt and radiant example of his compositional art. And so, on the evening of 23 August 2026, the most beautiful sounds of summer will waft around the Wolkenturm – as a greeting from Lake Wörthersee, where Brahms' Second was composed in 1877.

Please note: The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra has unfortunately had to cancel its participation in this concert for organisational reasons. We are delighted that the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra has taken over the guest performance in Grafenegg with a revised programme.

For health reasons, Martin Fröst is unable to perform at the concert in Grafenegg. We are delighted that Julien Hervé, principal clarinettist of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, has agreed at short notice to take on the solo part. Lahav Shani: «I admire Julien for his musical qualities; he is an excellent soloist and chamber musician, and a wonderful colleague. I am very much looking forward to performing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto for you alongside him at my final concert as chief conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. I wish Martin Fröst a speedy recovery.»