Beethoven's Eighth Symphony and Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1

Truls Mørk with Shostakovich's First Cello Concerto

Truls Mørk, who is making his first guest appearance with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, has made no fewer than two phenomenal recordings of Shostakovich's Cello Concerto. The threatening, repeated melody of the cello in the first movement makes the Cello Concerto a must-hear – as if the cello is constantly balancing between protest and survival.

The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra plays Mahler and Beethoven

In addition, music by two other masters of symphonic music: Beethoven and Mahler. Among all his grand symphonies, Beethoven's Eighth is a cheerful work full of humour, which he considered his most successful orchestral work. Mahler's dreamy and tender Blumine was initially part of his First Symphony, but later became a stand-alone work.

This programme can be heard on 15 October at Theater De Vest Alkmaar and on 17 and 18 October at the Concertgebouw.