It was April 2021 when we played all four Schumann symphonies under the baton of Maestro Gatti. A special project in light of strict travel- and gathering restrictions. After all, this took place only a few months after vaccinations became available. The orchestra was fulfilled to play all Schumann symphonies.
Especially memorable was the concert in Barcelona’s gorgeous Palau de la Música. Our respected Artistic Partner Daniele Gatti spoke some moving words of gratitude to the audience, underlining the significance of public performances and how much it meant to him to be able to perform again for a full concert hall.
The cycle was not yet completed in Italy. Luckily there was more Schumann to come, it can’t ever be enough! Our concert tour in January ’22 through Cologne and Italy was a completion of the Schumann cycle, performing his first and third symphony, the overture to his only opera Genoveva as well as his thrilling concert piece for four horns and orchestra.
Especially the concert piece was for me - a horn player- very exciting. The four horn soloists were MCO’s horn players that usually play in the orchestra. I treasure this experience playing as a soloist, for me quite an unusual role, being in front of the orchestra, rather than sitting down in the back! Schumann’s Konzertstück has an enormous drive in the first and last movement and a melodious Romanze as a middle movement. The concerto undoubtedly faces some of the biggest challenges in the French horn repertoire for the leading first horn, played by José Vicente Castelló. A mere demonstration of stunning effortless horn playing and music-making at its finest from his part!
The concert series kicked off at the Kölner Philharmonie. A special occasion for me to play in Cologne, the city where I’m based. I was in a fortunate position as I had the opportunity to listen to the interpretation of the spring symphony from the audience. Such a pleasure, the orchestra sounded wonderfully brilliant!
Our following concerts took place in Italy, in the province Emilia-Romagna. Ferrara to begin with, then Reggio Emilia, Modena and finally Cremona. Enjoying blue skies, lovely food, beautiful old city centres and romantic music theatres; working in these conditions, especially with such wonderful musicians, feels like a blessing. Inspiring surroundings fitting to exuberant yet personal music. Looking back I can say it was a memorable time, surely unforgettable. Sometimes one can feel happy being lucky.
- Header image, Modena: Rolando Paolo Guerzoni
- Image Palau de la Musica, Barcelona: Antoni Bofill
- Image horns, Ferrara: Marco Caselli
- Image Reggio Emilia: Brigitte Aguilera
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