| Music Director/Conductor | Christoph Poppen |
| Violin | James Cuddeford |
Programme
| Beethoven | Coriolan Overture, Op 62 |
| Berg | Violin Concerto (“To the Memory of an Angel”) |
| Brahms/Schoenberg | Piano Quartet No 1 in G minor, Op 25 |
A symposium of the brightest minds from the late-Romantic period and Second Viennese School, this absorbing programme is highlighted by Hong Kong Sinfonietta’s very own Concertmaster James Cuddeford taking centre stage in Berg’s Violin Concerto, “To the Memory of an Angel”. Written in response to the tragic death of 18-year-old Manon – daughter of Mahler’s widow – the work masterfully marries twelve-tone serialism with an unmistakable undercurrent of tonality, anchoring the work to rich lyricism and encompassing beauty.
Under the baton of Music Director Christoph Poppen, the concert also features Beethoven’s breathtaking Coriolan Overture, as well as Brahms’ Piano Quartet No 1 in G minor, brilliantly orchestrated by none other than Berg’s teacher and leader of the Second Viennese School, Arnold Schoenberg.
James Cuddeford (Violin)
“James Cuddeford stood out in his solo, elevating a sentimental melody to eloquence with sweetness and authority.”
South China Morning Post
“Cuddeford’s playing throughout was of sumptuous finesse and extraordinary polish.”
The Australian
“Cuddeford’s nuanced playing is in turns dazzling and exhilarating, then subtle and graceful.”
Stringendo Magazine
- Concertmaster, Hong Kong Sinfonietta
- Joined the internationally acclaimed Australian String Quartet in 1998, and has directed from the violin many orchestras in Australia, Japan and Europe
- Has worked with and premiered the music of many of the most important composers of our time, including violin works by Brett Dean, György Kurtág, Roger Smalley and Harrison Birtwistle
Christoph Poppen (Music Director/Conductor)
“Christoph Poppen brought out a broad soundscape from the orchestra.”
Süddeutsche Zeitung
- Principal Conductor, Cologne Chamber Orchestra
- Principal Guest Conductor, Israel Chamber Orchestra
- Artistic Director, Marvão International Music Festival, Portugal
- Music Director, Deutsche Radio Philharmonie (2007-2011)
- Artistic Director, Munich Chamber Orchestra (1995-2006)
Featured artists:
Christoph Poppen
(Music Director)
James Cuddeford
(Violin)
