Gävle Symphony Orchestra – Mozart – Haffner & Linz

Information

Mozart’s vibrant symphonies meet Sally Beamish’s new double concerto, featuring viola and double bass, with Malin Broman and Rick Stotijn as soloists. Together with Stenhammar’s poetic romances, the programme creates an evening where tradition and the present come together through the rich sound of the orchestra.

Framed by two of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most exuberant symphonies, Gävle Symphony Orchestra presents a concert where classical elegance meets contemporary expression and Nordic sensibility. Under the baton of conductor Christoph Koncz, and featuring two outstanding soloists, Malin Broman and Rick Stotijn, the programme brings contrasts and connections together in a vibrant musical experience.

The concert opens with Mozart’s Symphony No. 35, known as the "Haffner" Symphony – a work characterised by energy, precision and an almost electric vitality. Here, Mozart demonstrates his ability to combine festive grandeur with subtle musical intelligence. The fast movements pulse with life and rhythmic precision, while the more lyrical passages offer moments of reflection and elegance. It is music that both challenges and captivates – as immediate as it is refined.

At the heart of the concert is Sally Beamish’s double concerto for viola, double bass and orchestra, a work that brings together two solo instruments in an unusual and exciting combination. The pairing of viola and double bass creates a dark, warm and deeply resonant soundscape, where the instruments’ distinct characters meet and intertwine. Malin Broman and Rick Stotijn guide us through a musical dialogue in which virtuosity and sensitivity go hand in hand. Beamish’s music moves freely between the expressive and the playful, allowing room for both intensity and subtle humour.

After the interval, we encounter Wilhelm Stenhammar’s Two Sentimental Romances – a work filled with heartfelt expression and a distinctly Nordic character. Its singing, lyrical quality takes centre stage, supported by orchestral writing that gently brings out the sensitivity and depth of the melodies. Stenhammar’s music offers a peaceful contrast to the other works in the programme, creating space for reflection and contemplation.

The concert concludes with Mozart’s Symphony No. 36, "Linz", composed in just a few intense days, yet displaying a musical richness that reveals the work of a true master. Here, an impressive balance emerges between structure and spontaneity, power and elegance. The finale provides a brilliant conclusion, allowing the orchestra’s interplay and energy to shine in full.

Together, the works form a programme in which the classical heritage is explored through new perspectives, with each piece contributing its own colour and character. It is an evening that moves between virtuosity and heartfelt expression, tradition and innovation – inviting the audience to experience symphonic music at its most vibrant.

Christoph Koncz – CONDUCTOR\
Malin Broman – VIOLIN & VIOLA\
Rick Stotijn – DOUBLE BASS\
Gävle Symphony Orchestra

W\.A. MOZART Symphony No. 35 "Haffner" – 18 MIN\
S. BEAMISH Concertante Doubles for viola, double bass and sinfonietta – 16 MIN\
INTERVAL – 25 MIN\
W. STENHAMMAR Two Sentimental Romances – 13 MIN\
W\.A. MOZART Symphony No. 36 "Linz" – 25 MIN

Practical information:\
The box office and restaurant open two hours before the concert.

Concert duration:\
Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes, including interval.

Organiser:\
Gävle Symphony Orchestra

The concert is included in the Full Season Subscription – Friday Series.