Classical German masterpieces

The MPO plays works by Strauss and Beethoven this weekend, writes Dennis Chua

Hans Graf Grzegorz Curyla

THE Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) will present classical masterpieces that will bowl the audience at 8.30pm tomorrow and 3pm on Sunday at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, KLCC, Kuala Lumpur.

Themed Heroic Strauss & Beethoven, the programme might well be called Concert in E Flat Major since all three works are in the key of E flat and happen to be composed by Germans. The concerts will open with Strauss’

lowed by his

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The showcases will close with one of Beethoven’s personal favourite symphonies,

nicknamed Eroica. Lasting about 55 minutes, it is by far the longest symphony written to date.

Strauss’10-minutegentle launched his career after its premiere in Dresden in 1882. On the other hand, his was written in 1942 in memory of his father, who was generally regarded as the best horn player in Germany. It was first heard at the Salzburg Festival in 1943. For this work, the MPO will feature its Polish horn player, Grzegorz Curyla.

Allworkswillbe conductedby Hans Graf, a familiar face to the MPO audience throughout the previous seasons.

He has collaborated with renowned orchestras such as the Vienna, St Petersburg and London Philharmonics, Leipzig Gewandhaus, Budapest Festival, and Danish Radio and Sydney Symphonies. Hisbrilliant musicianship has been showcased to audiences in the UK, Germany, Vienna, Paris, Rome and Zurich.

Tickets:RM60-RM150.Call03-2331 7007.