Especially for Lucas and Arthur Jussen, and jointly commissioned by Amsterdam Sinfonietta, the Turkish composer and pianist Fazıl Say composed Anka Kuşu (Phoenix), based on the Simurgh, the Persian mythical bird that displays similarities with the fabulous Western creature, the Phoenix. The virtuosic piano concerto is imbued with oriental rhythms. The concert opens with These words… by Arvo Pärt. This prayer is intended to turn people away from committing crime and persuade them not to give in to human weaknesses. Amsterdam Sinfonietta concludes the programme with the imposing Adagio from Gustav Mahler’s Tenth Symphony in a new version for string orchestra by Primo Ish-Hurwitz. Mahler’s final, incomplete work is a song of pain and despair about the infidelity of his young wife Alma.
Tickets for this concert are free. A donation would be highly appreciated.
“The chemistry between the Jussen brothers and Amsterdam Sinfonietta clearly is good.”
NRC – 4 stars