Good Evening Wrocław! Directed by the Norwegian conductor Rune Bergmann, is a program highlighting the world premiere of a work dedicated to the city of Wrocław, the European Capital of Culture 2016, awarded the 1st prize by the International Competition for Composers, ECC 2016, organized by the Wrocław Academy of Music. Participants from around the globe where challenged to write compositions inspired by the history and landscape of the capital of Lower Silesia.  The winner, Japanese artist, Sumio Kobayashi, was chosen by an international jury for his piece Music by Krasnale.  Also featuring two of the best works of Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Concerto IV and V Symphony, we anticipate an evening packed with a series of surprises!

Both Beethoven’s Piano Concerto IV and V Symphony were written during his prolific middle period which began in 1804 with the beloved Waldstein Sonata.  Marked by Beethoven's return to Vienna from Heiligenstadt this period represents a significant change in musical style, now designated his "heroic" period.  Interestingly, both works were presented to the public at the Theatre of Vienna two days before Christmas in 1808. Beethoven had lobbied for the organization of the event for many months and expressed frustration at what he perceived to be the theatre directors procrastination. Ultimately, Beethoven got his way and the concert took place, but only after threats of departure from Vienna and the intimidation of a lawyer. Beethoven biographer Barry Cooper refers to the historic event, in terms of its content, as the "most remarkable" concert of Beethoven's career.