ALEXEI OGRINTCHOUK CONDUCTS BEETHOVEN’S SYMPHONY NO. 7:
SUZHOU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT
2026.05.30（SAT）19 : 30
Jinji Lake Concert Hall SCAC
Conductor Alexei Ogrintchouk
Andriessen
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Johann Kuhnau for String Orchestra
Dvořák
Serenade for Wind Instruments, Op. 44
Beethoven
Symphony No.7 in A Major, Op. 92
NOTICE TO AUDIENCE
1. DURATION Approximately 88 minutes with a 15-min intermission.
2. SUGGESTED AGE 8 and above.
3. Minimum height for children :1.3m.
Tonight’s concert is not only a music feast, but also an adventure exploring the diversity of musical genres and histories. From Andriessen’s modern interpretation of tradition, through Dvořák’s romantically lyrical folk-inspired expressions, to Beethoven’s breathtaking strength and passion, each composer demonstrates the endless possibilities of music in their own unique way. Hendrik Andriessen’s Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Johann Kuhnau for String Orchestra gives vibrant new life into an ancient melody through brilliant compositional technique. The theme itself is calm and serene, with subsequent variations unfolding like petals. The same minuet serves as the inspiration for the fugue conclusion, which has a complex structure and returns to the opening atmosphere of tranquility. Andriessen skillfully blends Baroque counterpoint with twentieth-century harmonic language, creating a work that is both elegant and modern, expressing an exceptional dialogue between past and present. Serenade for Winds in D Minor written during the golden years of Dvořák’s mid-career, maintains its courtly elegance while retaining the vibrant spirit of the Czech countryside. It is a masterwork full of sunshine, vitality, and poetry. Here, intimate conversations are made by the winds and strings: the warm harmonies of the strings and the majestic energy from brasses intertwines with woodwind’s gentle tones. When put together, they paint vivid pastoral scenes that evoke the freshness and tranquility of the Bohemian landscape. Its beauty, deeply expressive melodic lines and composer’s distinctive style will captivate the audience. The second half includes Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, which had its premiere in 1813 at a charity concert for injured soldiers. The entire symphony is renowned for its powerful rhythmic drive and vitality, Wagner has praised the entire symphony as the “apotheosis of dance”. All four movements are full of energy and forward motion. The second movement, with its simple yet deeply touching theme, made the audience requesting for an encore right away during the premiere. The finale is built to majestic, climactic heights, resembling the joyful celebration. Throughout this piece, Beethoven demonstrates his masterful orchestration and bold innovation in musical structure. Listeners are immersed in a lively universe pulsing with dance-like rhythms as each movement is bursting with intense passion. With its eternal power, this symphony not only demonstrates Beethoven’s extraordinary skills as the “master composer”, but it also continues to move listeners for centuries, solidifying its place as a brilliant gem in the classical music repertoire.
