European tour of the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorakova Praha International Festival

‘This concerto is not for the violin, but against it,’ conductor Hans von Bülow allegedly said after hearing the only violin concerto that Johannes Brahms ever composed. Perhaps he would have thought differently if he had heard it played by Gil Shaham, who charmed Dvořák Prague audiences four years ago in his role as curator of the Chamber Series and, more importantly, as a soloist performing Dvořák’s Violin Concerto.

Shaham’s everlasting smile and kind energy seem to shine through every note that emanates from his Stradivarius. He will be on a par with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Under their conductor Lahav Shani, the philharmonics will affirm that Brahms did indeed write a grand symphony with solo violin rather than a mere virtuoso piece.

The Brahms 190 concert series, dedicated to the anniversary of Dvořák’s dear friend’s birth, starts off on a high note. The second part of the programme also has indirect references to the festival’s namesake: Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff wrote his Symphonic Dances in the US, but their melodies and atmosphere seem to reflect his longing for his homeland, where it was and still is impossible to live freely.

The following day, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and Gil Shaham will feature an all-Brahms evening, with cellist Kian Soltani joining them as another soloist