Although Leonard Bernstein's Candide was inspired by the novel of the 18th-century French philosopher Voltaire, his music is clearly American and 20th-century. Following the popular overture to the light opera - in fact, in terms of genre, it is designated as an operetta - will be John Corigliano's violin concerto The Red Violin, based on music from the film of the same name. The final work of the concert will be Dohnányi's Suite in F-sharp minor, sometimes called his "Suite Romantique” or "Orchestral Suite”. The size of the forces required to play it and the order of the movements make it almost like a symphony, and in certain respects, that is indeed what it is. At the same time, the intonation of the first movement is more reminiscent of the atmosphere of the composer's serenades. The movement Andante con variazioni is a sparklingly orchestrated, vibrant, organically constructed and constantly advancing composition. The movement's sound world evokes most of all the sound of symphonic poems or film music. The guest for the evening will be violinist Elina Vähälä, whom the Chicago Tribune described as "a fluent, stylish and gifted musician whose brilliant technique is matched by an abundant spirit, sensitivity and imagination." Vähälä was twelve years old when she first played as a member of a full orchestra, winning the title of young master soloist and, later on, the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York. In 2008, she performed at a concert organised in connection with the Nobel Peace Prize. Taking the podium for the concert will be chief conductor Tibor Bogányi.

Presented by: Pannon Philharmonic