Trumpetist

Alongside Ludwig van Beethoven and Johannes Brahms, Anton Bruckner is among the composers who significantly shaped the symphony genre in the 19th century. For him, a trained organist, they were always also spiritual expressions. Bruckner's last work, his Ninth Symphony, is akin to a cathedral in its ambition. He composed his Ninth for approximately nine years until his death, creating his symphonic legacy, which he is said to have dedicated "to the dear Lord."

Bruckner's legacy

Casino Bern

Immerse yourself in an evening of profound musical exploration with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, featuring the talents of Finnish superstars under the baton of Susanna Mälkki. This captivating concert, set for Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 8:00 PM, and again on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM, promises an unforgettable journey through the works of Schubert, Strauss, and Saariaho.

The program opens with Schubert's Symphony No. 8, famously known as the "Unfinished," a piece that enchants with its haunting melodies and unresolved mysteries. The evening then introduces the U.S. premiere of Kaija Saariaho's "HUSH," a LA Phil commission that represents the composer's poignant farewell to the world, expressing a journey to silence amidst her battle with terminal brain cancer. This piece, dedicated to jazz trumpeter Verneri Pohjola, features a mesmerizing performance where the trumpet navigates through the orchestra with a ghostly presence.

Following an intermission, the concert concludes with Richard Strauss's "Death and Transfiguration," a powerful depiction of a man's final moments and his soul's transcendence. Inspired by the concept of Liebestod from Wagner's "Tristan and Isolde," Strauss's composition delves into the profound questions of life and the hereafter with stunning harmonies and masterful orchestration.

Under the leadership of Susanna Mälkki, with Verneri Pohjola on the trumpet, this performance is not just a concert but an emotional expedition that explores the mysteries of life, death, and what may lie beyond. This event is a highlight of the Otis Booth Foundation Series: Thursday Evenings TH2 Series, showcasing the brilliance of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the depth of human expression through music.

Join us for a night of introspection and sublime music at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and be part of a unique experience that resonates with the soul. Tickets are available now, but act quickly as sales are final and availability is subject to change. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the convergence of great musical minds in a performance that promises to be as enlightening as it is enchanting.

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Schubert, Strauss & Saariaho

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Hush…when the great Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho died in 2023, she left behind her a trumpet concerto unlike any other, crafted to showcase the remarkable, genre-crossing artistry of trumpeter Verneri Pohjola. He gives its UK premiere tonight. a final, profoundly moving testament from one of our century’s greatest creative spirits, as she took her own “journey to silence”.

A Meditation on Life

Barbican Centre

Hush…when the great Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho died in 2023, she left behind her a trumpet concerto unlike any other, crafted to showcase the remarkable, genre-crossing artistry of trumpeter Verneri Pohjola. He gives its UK premiere tonight. a final, profoundly moving testament from one of our century’s greatest creative spirits, as she took her own 'journey to silence'.

Gustav Mahlers Lied von der Erde zählt zu den eindrucksvollsten Werken an der Schwelle von der musikalischen Romantik zur Moderne. In der Verschränkung von Liedzyklus und Sinfonie, basierend auf altchinesischer Lyrik in sensibler Nachdichtung, gelang Mahler am Ende seines kurzen Lebens ein kompositorisch spürbar individuelles Werk von großer expressiver Kraft und Spannweite. Das Trompetenkonzert Hush (Stille) der 2023 im Alter von 70 Jahren verstorbenen finnischen Komponistin Kaija Saariaho, ihre letzte, posthum uraufgeführte Komposition, ist in in ähnlicher Weise ein Werk des Abschieds. Geschrieben für den Trompeter Verneri Pohjola begegnet den Hörer:innen eine Musik von faszinierendem Gestalt- und Klangfarbenreichtum.

Abon­ne­ment­kon­zert I

Philharmonie Berlin

Staatsoper Unter den Linden

The biblical Book of Genesis provided the inspiration for commissioning seven concise works from seven different composers: Lisa Streich (Sweden), Francesco Filidei (Italy), Chen Yi (China/USA), Hannah Kendall (England), Mikel Urquiza (Spain), Saad Haddad (USA), and Mark Andre (Germany). These new Genesis compositions will be performed after the overture from Darius Milhaud’s ballet La création du monde has already set the musical theme. They will be followed by Kaija Saariaho’s last completed work, the trumpet concerto Hush, written for the jazz trumpeter Verneri Pohjola. Finally, we will turn our attention to the soaring geyser fountains of Iceland, which Jón Leifs, a native of the world’s largest volcanic island and a composer of extraordinary sonic power, translated into musical form and energy.

Matthias Pintscher

Munich Residence

When Esbjörn Svensson died in a diving accident in June 2008, the jazz world lost one of its most innovative artists. The Swedish pianist was just 44 and at the height of his career. With his trio, he became one of the defining voices on the European scene, blending jazz, classical music, rock, pop and electronic elements into a distinctive musical language. His former trio partners, drummer Magnus Öström and bassist Dan Berglund, are joined by leading jazz musicians from Sweden and Finland in this tribute to Svensson’s legacy.

Trumpetist

Verneri Pohjola

Events

Upcoming events

Oct 9, 2026

Matthias Pintscher · Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

Jun 19, 2027

Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic “Remember Esbjörn Svensson” · Berliner Philharmoniker

Past events

2 - 5 Jun, 2026

Bruckner's legacy · Bühnen Bern

Jan 30 - Feb 2, 2025

Schubert, Strauss & Saariaho · Los Angeles Philharmonic

Future and recently performed repertoire

Trumpet in HUSH by Saariaho

Bühnen Bern

About

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