The Andrejs Žagars Cultural Development Foundation and Liepāja concert hall “Lielais dzintars”, within the framework of the program “Liepāja - European Capital of Culture 2027”, present a concert by the legendary Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and its artistic director, the world-famous and audience-adored Maestro Andris Nelsons. Nelsons’ scale of talent, immense work ethic, ability to inspire musicians, and make every concert unforgettable are unique.
In 2027, the world will mark 200 years since the death of Ludwig van Beethoven. In Latvia, this tradition of commemorating the passing of geniuses is still somewhat unfamiliar, but as we become ever more closely integrated into the global arts scene, it will be an honor to host one of Europe’s finest symphonic ensembles in Liepāja for the second time with a program dedicated to Beethoven’s memory - the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, the world’s oldest civic symphony orchestra (founded in 1743).
The orchestra has earned worldwide fame for its unique, warm, and dignified “Leipzig sound” as well as its historical role in performing the premieres of masterpieces by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Brahms. Since 2018, Andris Nelsons has been the orchestra’s artistic director and principal conductor, marking a new era in its work.
Here, Nelsons’ distinctive emotional, electrifying energy meets the orchestra’s steady, centuries-old traditions. Together they have conquered the world’s greatest stages, embarked on major international tours, and released critically acclaimed recordings that have become benchmarks. Especially noteworthy are the monumental Bruckner and Strauss cycles in collaboration with Deutsche Grammophon, the first of which received the prestigious Opus Klassik award and the second was recognized as the year’s most innovative and ambitious symphonic project. The collaboration with the orchestra has been so successful that it has already been extended through 2032.
The program includes two strikingly different symphonies by Ludwig van Beethoven: the Sixth and the Seventh. The Sixth, known as the “Pastoral,” is almost like an animated film, allowing us to step into the composer’s shoes as he takes his beloved walks through the fields and forests on the outskirts of town, notes a bird call, observes peasant revelry, breathes in the ecstasy of thunder, and enjoys nature’s renewal after the storm. The Seventh Symphony is one of Beethoven’s greatest masterpieces, with the beautiful, fateful variations of the second movement and the final movement’s unrestrained celebration of joy particularly captivating.
The concert is realized within the framework of the program of the project “Liepāja - European Capital of Culture 2027”, using funding allocated by the Liepāja State City, South Kurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, the Ministry of Culture, and the State Culture Capital Foundation. The “Liepāja 2027” program is supported by the main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS CleanR Grupa; the main partner in air mobility and international communication, AS Air Baltic Corporation; the partner in legal matters, SIA Sorainen ZAB; the land mobility partner, SIA Lux Express Latvia; and the water transport mobility and international communication partner, SIA Stena Line. Media partners: VSIA Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs, SIA TVNET GRUPA, AS KURZEMES RADIO.
Performers:
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra / Leipzig Gewandhausorchester
Conductor and artistic director Andris NELSONS
Program:
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
PART I
Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 (“Pastoral”)
PART II
Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92
Venue: Great Hall
Duration: concert in two parts, approximately 2 hours
Recommended age: 7+
Organized by: SIA Lielais Dzintars in cooperation with the Andrejs Žagars Cultural Development Foundation
Supported by: the concert is realized within the framework of the program “Greats in Lielais dzintars” of the project “Liepāja 2027”, using funding allocated by the Ministry of Culture, Liepāja State City, South Kurzeme, and Kuldīga municipalities. Supported by: the State Culture Capital Foundation.
Tickets: from 50.00 euros
The ticket price may change as the event approaches.
