Philzuid

It's as if you're being sucked into the immensity of space: Richard Strauss' opening of his world-famous Also Sprach Zarathustra grabs you by the throat. With crashing timpani, powerful brass sounds, and an awe-inspiring organ chord.

This symphonic tour de force is rarely heard in concert halls. Inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy, the symphonic poem paints a grand and challenging picture of the human search for meaning. Film fans will recognize this compelling opening from classics such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, but even without images, this music remains equally powerful and exciting. Under the baton of chief conductor Duncan Ward, Philzuid combines this masterpiece with contemporary virtuosity. A new viola concerto by Mark Simpson, written especially for the young viola virtuoso Timothy Ridout. It is a work in which the intensity and expressiveness of the viola come into their own. In addition, the orchestra performs Rachmaninov's Isle of the Dead: a mystical, dark composition with deep emotional layers. A concert that offers both familiar grandeur and exciting new sounds.