Programme

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750): Orchestral Suite no. 1 in C major, BWV 1066

Joseph Haydn (1732–1809): Harpsichord Concerto in G major, Hob. XVIII: 4

—— intermission ——

Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782): Symphony in C major no. 3, op. 2 W C2

Bohuslav Martinů (1890–1959): Harpsichord Concerto, H. 246 (1935)

Mahan Esfahani, an internationally renowned harpsichordist and recipient of the prestigious Borletti-Buitoni, BBC New Generation Artist and Gramophone Artist of the Year awards, will also perform as conductor of the Prague Philharmonia. In his performance, the harpsichord becomes not only a solo instrument, but also a driving force of the orchestral flow, combining historical tradition with a modern approach, emphasizing expressive liveliness, contrast and stylistic variability. The program thus shows not only the musical development of three centuries, but also Esfahani’s ability to bring the harpsichord to the center of the orchestral dialogue. For the Ostrava audience, this means an evening full of contrasts – from the baroque brilliance of J. S. Bach, through the classicist elegance of Haydn and J. C. Bach, to the poetic but expressive style of Martinů. The Concert Hall of the Faculty of Arts of the University of Ostrava will offer excellent acoustics and intimate contact with the live performance of Esfahani and the orchestra. This is a unique opportunity to hear the true evolution of the European concert harpsichord – performed by one of its most prominent contemporary performers – in contrast with a full orchestra and a dramaturgically well-thought-out program.