|
|
 |
    
In spring 2003, the Berlin Philharmonic traveled to Portugal for its annual Europakonzert. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the esteemed orchestra has presented this celebratory concert in a different European capital each year to reinforce the continent's shared cultural heritage as well as mark the founding of the ensemble in 1882. From the historic Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Lisbon, Portugal, the 2003 concert features conductor Pierre Boulez and pianist Maria João Pires performing Mozart's "Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, KV 466." In addition, Boulez leads the Berlin in superb performances of Bartók's monumental "Concerto for Orchestra" and Debussy's "Fetes" from "Trois Nocturnes." A brief tour of the monastery and its surrounding grounds, offering fascinating historical and cultural background to the concert's setting, will also be part of the annual telecast.
Noted conductors, such as Wilhelm Furtwängler, Herbert von Karajan, and Claudio Abbado, have led the Berlin Philharmonic in the 20th century. Learn more about their impact on the orchestra as well as the guest conductor for the 2003 Europakonzert, Pierre Boulez, in the essay by writer Justin Davidson. In Dialogue, maestro Boulez talks about conducting the Berlin, whether orchestras are becoming more homogeneous, performing in the Hieronymus Monastery, and more. The musical selections from the evening's program are included in the song list.
Special funding for this program was provided by Daimler-Chrysler and the
Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Arts Fund.
Visit the Web features for the Berlin Philharmonic's other Europakonzerts, from the Acropolis (2004), Palermo (2002), and Istanbul (2001).
Top banner photos: Lisbon's Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Hieronymus Monastery), and Pierre Boulez leading the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
|
|
 |
 |
Harpist with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. |
 |
 |
|
Pierre Boulez first conducted the Berlin in 1961. |
|
 |
|
The DVD of the concert is available from Amazon.com. |
|
|
