Sunday Classics 2024-2025 - German National Orchestra

German National Orchestra
Official partner of the Berlin Philharmonic*

Wayne Marshall conductor/piano

BRITTEN Young Person’s Guide
GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue (Wayne Marshall)
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HOLST The Planets (with the German-British-Choir Academy)

Celebrate orchestral showpieces from Britain and America – in the company of Germany’s youngest major orchestra. Founded as recently as 1969, the German National Orchestra brings together the country’s finest young musicians in an exceptional roster of extraordinary talent: many of its performers go on to roles in the prestigious Berlin Philharmonic. It has garnered acclaim on several international tours, as well as from eminent conductors including Sir Simon Rattle and current Berlin Philharmonic Chief Conductor, Kirill Petrenko.

British-born Wayne Marshall is a force of musical nature, a virtuoso classical pianist with a deep immersion in jazz, as well as a dazzling conductor who delivers drama and insight across classical works, musicals and jazz. Marshall brings together three immensely – and deservedly – popular pieces in this colourful, captivating concert.

From its unforgettable opening clarinet slide, George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue is as raw and raucous as it is refined and reflective – a seamless blending of classical and jazz that throws together bluesy tunes and grand, romantic melodies. Marshall directs the Orchestra from the keyboard in this dazzling icon of American music.

Benjamin Britten famously wrote his Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra to introduce youthful listeners to the instruments and families of this great classical ensemble. But the composer’s witty and moving adaptations of a dance tune by Henry Purcell form a musical creation that captivates, enthrals and inspires listeners of all ages.

Marshall and his young German players conclude their powerful performance with Gustav Holst’s celebration of the wonders of the cosmos. From the remorseless violence of ‘Mars, the Bringer of War’ to the dreamlike serenity of ‘Venus, the Bringer of Peace’ – and the otherworldly mysteries of far-flung ‘Neptune, the Mystic’ – The Planets will take you on an unforgettable journey into the furthest reaches of our solar system – and beyond…