Festival Strings Lucerne

Soloists:
Ian Bostridge, tenor
Stefan Dohr, horn

Programme
Wolfgang A. Mozart, Divertimento for Strings in D Major, K 136
Antonín Dvořák, Nocturne in B Major for Strings, Op. 40
Edward Elgar, Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20
*
Benjamin Britten, Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31
Antonín Dvořák, Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22
 

The leading Swiss chamber ensemble, and one of Europe’s finest and most sought-after orchestras, Festival Strings Lucerne is renowned for its broad repertoire and stylistic precision. Popular with contemporary composers, the ensemble has premiered over a hundred new works, including compositions by the world’s biggest names (Martinů, Xenakis, Penderecki and Ruzicka). The orchestra, whose hallmarks are sonic unity, technical sophistication and brilliant tone, prides itself on being in possession of several specimens of strings made by the old Cremona masters.

The programme’s red thread is shrouded in mysterious nocturnal mists: both the entertaining and playful or meditative moods of the night. The highlight of the evening is Britten’s rarely performed Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, which reflects the composer’s sensitive appreciation of poetry – performed by British lyric tenor Ian Bostridge.