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 “The Camerata Salzburg conveyed both its wild and tender moments with effortless simplicity”—South China Morning Post

“A charismatic and fearless soloist, Hélène Grimaud can access a special level of free-spirited lyricism, allied to an enviable virtuoso technique and a fresh, questing musical curiosity”—Bachtrack

In combination with the exquisite Camerata Salzburg, Hélène Grimaud promises a special intensity of interaction”—Elbphilharmonie

Sublime Mozart and Energetic Beethoven

Enthusiastically fueled by infectious dynamism and a glorious performing tradition, the Camerata Salzburg and pianist Hélène Grimaud are the crowning jewels of the 27^th edition of the Beijing Music Festival in 2024. One of the most distinguished chamber orchestras in the world, the Camerata Salzburg promises a deeply committed and passionate collaboration with Hélène Grimaud, the exceptional and virtuoso French pianist also known for her compassionate activism on behalf of human rights, and an unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation. The is delicious 2024 BMF program pairs Mozart’s sublime operatic drama with Beethoven’s energetic musical universe, simultaneously showcasing his creative talents as a pianist and symphonist.

 Camerata Salzburg

Based in the city of Salzburg and housed at the Mozarteum University, the Camerata was established in 1952 by conductor, composer, and musicologist Bernhard Paumgartner. The composition teacher of Herbert von Karajan, Paumgartner molded an ensemble that primarily focused on the works of Salzburg’s most prominent genius, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Renowned for their clear, rich and wonderfully fluid playing, the Camerata has recoded over 60 albums with leading classical labels and regularly appears at some of the most prestigious venues across the world. Performing without a principal conductor, the musicians of the orchestra now make all artistic decisions for the ensemble.

Hélène Grimaud

The Camerata Salzburg has entered into artistic partnerships with two of the most exceptional artists of our time, the violinist Janine Jansen and the fantastic French pianist Hélène Grimaud. Grimaud, remarkably, secured admission into the prestigious Paris Conservatoire at the age of 13. After continued guidance from György Sándor and Leon Fleisher, Grimaud gave her highly acclaimed debut recital in Tokyo in 1987. Since then, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of classical music. An exclusive Deutsche Grammophon artist since 2002, Grimaud has also become a global advocate on behalf of important environmental issues, and she envisions a world where music and the arts are universally employed for celebrating diversity, creating community, and advancing human dignity.

 Program Highlights

The Italian-language opera seria Idomeneo by Wolfgang Amadeus first sounded on 29 January 1782 at the splendid Cuvilliés-Theater (Residenztheater) adjacent to the Munich State Opera. This magnificent German Roccoco Theater, designed by court architect Francois Cuvilliés the Elder, featured a rotating stage and adjustable stalls. Relying on the consummate skills of the famed Mannheim Orchestra, Mozart’s “Overture” reflects the lavishness of the venue and the extended capabilities of this highly skilled orchestra.

Just like Beethoven himself, Hélène Grimaud will lead Beethoven’s G Major piano concerto from the piano. The composer introduced his 4^th Piano Concerto at a marathon event in Vienna on 22 December 1808, but audiences were slow to accept the innovation to the traditional concerto format as the work opens with the solo instrument playing unaccompanied. His Symphony No. 7, however, was an unqualified success from the very beginning and it proved immensely popular with multiple repeat performances scheduled in the weeks after the premiere. Beethoven himself declared the work “one of the happiest products of my poor talents.”

The momentous artistic collaboration between the Camerata Salzburg and Hélène Grimaud promises to be one of the intimate highlights of the 2024 BMF, and you really don’t want to miss it.

 Track:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Overture from Idomeneo, K.366               5′

Ludwig VanBeethoven: Piano concert No. 4, op.58, G major                34′

—Intermission—

Ludwig VanBeethoven: Symphony No. 7, op.92, A major                     36′

The program is subject to change

Artist/Group:

Hélène Grimaud, piano

Camerata Salzburg