European Union Chamber Orchestra

Matthias Wollong
SOLOIST Nikolai Demidenko, piano

Mozart Symphony No 1 in E flat, K16
Mozart Piano Concerto No 12 in A major, K414
Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K525
Haydn Symphony No 49 in F minor, ‘La Passione’
Made up of young professionals from throughout the EU, the European Union Chamber Orchestra is not only a potent symbol of Europe-wide cooperation and harmony, but also acts as an international cultural ambassador for the EU. Appearing under their Artistic Director Matthias Wollong, they perform a programme of works by the two great masters of the Classical period: Mozart and Haydn.

Mozart wrote his Symphony No 1 in London during the Mozart family’s Grand Tour. A mere 8 years old when he penned the symphony, Mozart already enjoyed fame as a child prodigy on the keyboard, but this work showed his burgeoning skills as a composer.

There is a London link, too, in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 12: the second movement contains a quotation of a theme of a work by J.C. Bach, Mozart's former mentor in London, who had just died on 1 January 1782. The moving Andante stands as a musical epitaph by the younger man for the old master. Playing the concerto is the brilliant Russian pianist, Nikolai Demidenko, praised by Gramophone for his ‘razor-sharp articulacy and immaculate dexterity … complemented by the finest musical grace and individuality’.

After Mozart’s ever-popular Eine kleine Nachtmusik, the concert ends with Haydn’s Symphony No 49. Its title, ‘La Passione’, suggests emotional turbulence – and it does indeed date from Haydn’s ‘Sturm und Drang’ (‘storm and stress’) period – but the title actually refers to the symphony’s origins in Holy Week 1768. With its dark F-minor tonality and sombre mood, it captures the exquisite melancholy of Passiontide.

PRE-CONCERT TALKS
Why not join music writer and critic James Day for fascinating and informative talks about the programme before each concert. Talk will take place at Cambridge University Press Bookshop on the corner of Trinity Street and St Mary's Street at 6.00pm

WHY NOT TAKE OUT A SUBSCRIPTION?
If you are interested in three more or concerts you can benefit from a subscription, immediately reducing the price of your tickets and making a night out at an International Concert Series even better value! Not only that, you will receive a number of extra benefits listed in full in the new orchestral brochure, including a free concert programme and reduced price tickets on other selected shows throughout the year. Details on how to subscribe are listed in the brochure. To receive your copy of the 2009/10 International Concert Series brochure please do one of the following:

Call us on 01223 457555
Email us at admin.cornex@cambridge.gov.uk
or click here to download a pdf copy.
...and we will send you a copy.

If you enjoy classical music don't miss the chance to see a solo piano recital by acclaimed pianist, Freddy Kempf on Sunday 25 October. He returns to Cambridge after appearing in last season's concert series with the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra. Click here for details.