Composer

Saxofonist

A few years ago, Benjamin Grosvenor claimed he wasn’t really all that talented. His stellar career, however, which has made him one of the most sought-after pianists around the world today, tells a different tale. Time and again, international reviewers have praised his brilliant technical abilities, which are combined with an instinct for sound and the courage to delve deep into the realms of lyricism. This makes him the perfect choice of soloist for Sergei Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, a bravura signature piece combining daredevil keyboard acrobatics with intimate contemplation. Where Rachmaninov plunged straight into the maelstrom of grand emotions, Sergei Prokofiev chose serious retrospection. His dark-hued Symphony No. 6, a masterwork of pain and wistfulness, reflects the horrors of World War II. The Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård, chief conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, opens the gates to a deeply touching world of melancholy.

EPSG:4326

Breaking New Paths

Cologne Philharmonie

With the concert series »Bock auf Klassik?!«, the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne invites everyone under the age of 29 to an evening that brings classical music to life in a new way: accessible, vibrant and surprisingly different. For just 8 euros, you can enjoy great works, a personal introduction to the evening’s programme, and afterwards a musical finale with a DJ, free drinks and a relaxed atmosphere in the foyer.

Bock auf Klassik?!

A unique Norwegian compositional voice meets Norway’s leading piano star as Leif Ove Andsnes premieres Ørjan Matre’s Piano Concerto. Thomas Søndergård conducts Matre’s orchestral work Lyric Pieces, inspired by Edvard Grieg’s piano miniatures, along with Richard Strauss’ virtuosic and self-revealing symphonic poem Ein Heldenleben.

Thomas Søndergård Leif Ove Andsnes

Oslo Concert Hall

Instant composition with life-size puppets and live music

In the Moment They Appear

Egnsteatret

Instant composition with human-sized puppets and live music

The Moment They Show Themselves

Pavillon K

Despite dying at the age of just 26, French composer Lili Boulanger left behind a wealth of fantastic music. Among the highlights is the buzzing, lively spring morning she evokes in the short tone poem D'un matin de printemps , which she composed just a few months before her death.

Søndergaard & Ravel

DR Koncerthuset

Sir John Falstaff is an ageing gentleman with empty pockets but boundless faith in his own charm and irresistible appeal. In an attempt to restore his finances, he simultaneously sets out to seduce two wealthy married women of Windsor. Yet the ladies quickly compare notes – and the puffed-up knight soon receives a lesson he will not easily forget.

Composer, Saxofonist

Thomas Sondergaard

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 16 - Mar 4, 2027

Falstaff · Det Kongelige Teater

Past events

Oct 25, 2026

Breaking New Paths · Gürzenich-Orchester Köln

Oct 24, 2026

Bock auf Klassik?! · Gürzenich-Orchester Köln

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Falstaff by Verdi

Det Kongelige Teater

Conductor in Symphony No. 6 by Prokofiev

Gürzenich-Orchester Köln

Conductor in Of a Spring Morning by Boulanger

Danish National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Piano Concerto No. 2 by Rachmaninoff

Gürzenich-Orchester Köln

Conductor in Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2 by Ravel

Danish National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Les nuits d'été by Berlioz

Danish National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in A Hero's Life by Strauss

Oslo Philharmonic

Conductor in Lyric Pieces by Matre

Oslo Philharmonic

Conductor in Piano Concerto by Matre

Oslo Philharmonic

Conductor in Symphony No. 3 by Szymanowski

Danish National Symphony Orchestra

About

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