Gävle Symphony Orchestra – Elvira Madigan

Information

Three musical worlds come together in a concert that moves from the contemporary and evocative to the classical, before arriving at the sharp modernism of the 20th century. Under the direction of Chief Conductor Christian Reif, with pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet as soloist, the Gävle Symphony Orchestra presents an evening where contrasts come together to form a whole.

The concert opens with Karin Rehnqvist’s Att bryta isen (Breaking the Ice), from the larger work Arktis Arktis!. Here, we encounter a soundscape that is both physical and poetic, inspired by the movements, cracks and transformations of ice. Rehnqvist treats the orchestra as a living landscape, where sounds emerge organically. The music creates a powerful sense of presence and sets the tone for the evening: listening takes centre stage.

Next comes one of the most beloved works in the classical repertoire – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, often known as Elvira Madigan following its use in the film of the same name. Here, we hear Mozart at the height of his creative powers. The second movement, with its gentle, singing melody, has become iconic, but the entire concerto offers a rich range of expression: playfulness, elegance and an intimate interplay between soloist and orchestra. Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, known for his clarity and sense of style, brings both precision and brilliance to the work.

After the interval, we enter a different musical world with Igor Stravinsky’s Symphony in C. The work was composed during a turbulent period in the composer’s life and reflects both personal turmoil and a striving for musical clarity. Here, Stravinsky combines classical forms with his own distinctive rhythms and sharp orchestration. The result is a symphony that is both disciplined and energetic, with every detail carefully crafted.

Together, the programme creates a concert in which different eras and musical expressions meet without competing. From Rehnqvist’s contemporary soundscapes, through Mozart’s timeless elegance, to Stravinsky’s modern precision, a musical journey unfolds that both challenges and moves the listener. It is an evening for curious listeners – and for anyone who wants to experience how classical music continues to reinvent itself.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart leaves no one unmoved. His music is performed around the world and is regarded as one of humanity’s greatest creative achievements. Yet, to most listeners, it feels simple, beautiful and captivating. His full name was actually Joannes Chrysostomos Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, although he often signed his many letters Wolfgang Amadé.

Although Mozart could play most instruments reasonably well, it was at the piano that he truly excelled. For many, his piano concertos are something particularly special – he composed 27 in total. He often performed them himself, but never used sheet music, playing entirely from memory.

One of the most beloved and celebrated is No. 21, also known as Elvira Madigan since Bo Widerberg’s film of the same name. Here, Wolfgang Amadé reveals his restless side. You can almost hear the anxiety echoing through Vienna’s narrow streets as he dips his quill into the inkwell and, with his characteristic speed, puts the music down on paper. Yet even when the drama intensifies in this piano concerto, Mozart’s characteristic playfulness is always present.

Practical information:

The box office and restaurant open two hours before the concert.

Concert duration:\
Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, including interval.

Organiser:\
Gävle Symphony Orchestra

The concert is included in the Full Subscription – Thursday Series.

Christian Reif – CHIEF CONDUCTOR\
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet – PIANO\
Gävle Symphony Orchestra

K. REHNQVIST Att bryta isen, from Arktis Arktis! – 11 MIN\
W. A. MOZART Piano Concerto No. 21 "Elvira Madigan" – 26 MIN\
INTERVAL – 25 MIN\
I. STRAVINSKY Symphony in C – 28 MIN