Elisabeth Week: Hayoung Choi performs Lutosławski

One concert, two Queen Elisabeth Competition winners. Many listeners are familiar with Piet Jozef Swerts (winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition 1987), who twice composed the required piece for the prestigious competition. The Antwerp Symphony Orchestra invited him to create a new symphonic work inspired by Flemish musical heritage. The result is a delightful homage to Josquin Desprez, keeping the music of the Flemish polyphonist alive.

Cellist Hayoung Choi, the 2022 Elisabeth Competition champion, presents the daring Cello Concerto by Lutosławski. The Polish composer grants the soloist ample freedom, making them a collaborator in his expressive music.

Finally, Shostakovich, in his Fifth Symphony, appears to conform to Soviet regime expectations. The interpretation of his blend of unadulterated tragedy and exaggerated heroism remains a mystery, yet it doesn't diminish the power of the grand orchestral eruptions and beautiful lyrical phrases.