Aldeburgh Music

Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Peter Serkin piano
Oliver Knussen conductor

Ives Washington’s Birthday
Oliver Knussen New work for piano and orchestra
Stravinsky Movements for piano and orchestra
Berg Three Movements from Lyric Suite

To celebrate Oliver Knussen’s 60th birthday and long Aldeburgh association, the first in a series of Festival concerts curated by him as Artist in Residence.
 
Berg’s Lyric Suite contains impassioned music within its complex frame, a work of subtle structure and a sensuous, sonorous beauty. A vibrant directness, and an elegant precision are the hallmarks too of the music – and the conducting – of Oliver Knussen, whose new work was written for tonight’s soloist.

Knussen is a powerful advocate for one of his musical heroes, Stravinsky (his supercompressed piano concerto) and brings control and caprice to the fractured festivities of Ives’ mini-tone poem – a bone-chilling winter night enlivened by a barn dance. 

The SCO continues at the helm of European 9 orchestras. Adventurous in outlook, with playing of elasticity and immediacy, their partnership with Knussen is understandably blossoming.

Sponsored by

Generously supported by the Robey family