The first two people on earth were in love. The third man killed the fourth. Die ersten Menschen tells the story of the first family in the Biblical history of humanity: Adahm and Chawa and their sons Kajin and Chabel. After the successful performances of the work during the corona pandemic, Rudi Stephan's unknown work, but 'excavated' by Dutch National Opera, returns in full glory.

Those first people

National Opera & Ballet

Major rising-star conductor Lahav Shani performs with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra in their first collaboration at Carnegie Hall. The concert begins with the lush, enchanting minimalism of Arvo Pärt’s Swansong, whose long, soaring harmonies suggest its origins as choral music. The world-renowned Daniil Trifonov joins in Mozart’s Ninth Piano Concerto, “Jeunehomme,” often considered the composer’s first true masterpiece. The concert concludes with selections from Prokofiev’s timeless Romeo and Juliet.

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Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

Carnegie Hall

We are thrilled to introduce one of the most exciting and revelatory pianists of our era to our Knight Masterworks Classical Music series, when Daniil Trifonov takes the stage of the Knight Concert Hall with the distinguished Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, led by chief conductor Lahav Shani.

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1918, has claimed its place among Europe, and the world's, most exciting orchestras. The Orchestra has distinguished itself with its intensely energetic concerts sure to create an unforgettable performance in Steinmetz Hall. In recent years, the Orchestra has been led by three of the worlds most respected conductors, Valery Gergiev, Yannick Nezet Seguin, and its current dynamic principal conductor Lahav Shani.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

The Rotterdam Philharmonic is counted among Europe’s finest orchestras. Grammy® Award-winning pianist Daniil Trifonov has made a spectacular ascent to the summit of classical music, quickly becoming the most sought-after pianist in the world. Lahav Shani is the youngest Chief Conductor in the orchestra’s 100-year history. Their program includes excerpts from Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet and Mozart’s beloved, coming-of-age piano concerto, K. 271.

Rotterdam Philharmonic

Alexander W. Dreyfoos Concert Hall

Music history is filled with moments that leave an indelible impression. Elgar’s Cello Concerto opens with the melancholic embrace of the cello, followed by the orchestra’s emotional response, conveying beauty, simplicity, and deep sadness. Written after World War I, it reflects Elgar’s disbelief in humanity and the sorrow following immense suffering. Similarly, Shostakovich, under the heavy hand of Stalin’s regime, spent years balancing his personal expression with political restrictions. Yet, this programme is not all sorrow. Shostakovich’s playful finale and Elgar’s glimmers of hope are complemented by Rimsky- Korsakov’s vibrant Capriccio espagnol. After the storm, the sun shines again. The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by Finnish maestro Santtu-Matias Rouvali, with Senja Rummukainen, a gifted cellist from Finland, performing Elgar’s masterpiece.

Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

Mar 14, 2026

Santtu-Matias Rouvali conducts the Rotterdam Philharmonic

Jan 22 - Feb 2, 2025

Those first people

Mar 9, 2024

Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra