The current season of the NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra is themed Better Together. The orchestra’s artistic director, violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky, invites distinguished Polish and international soloists to collaborate. In the depths of winter, the peerless cellist Jan Vogler will visit the NFM to perform Joseph Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C major with Wrocław musicians. Additionally, Haydn’s Symphony in C minor No. 52 and Peter Warlock’s popular Capriol Suite will be performed.

At the peak of his career, the featured cellist has already recorded over forty albums. The virtuoso explores a versatile repertoire: on the one hand, he captures the music of German classics from all eras, and on the other, he has released semi-entertainment albums. A case in point is the one he recorded with his friend, American comedian Bill Murray. In addition to such unusual collaborations, Vogler is renowned for the exceptional sound he produces from his Stradivari instrument. Surely, many music lovers  fondly remember a November evening in 2017. The artist, along with the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic, performed Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor. What impressions will he leave this time?

Vogler’s appearance will be preceded by an interpretation of the Capriol Suite – arguably the most recognisable work by the legendary English composer Peter Warlock. A series of imaginatively stylised Renaissance dances based on authentic material stand out against the remainder of the composer’s legacy, which consists mostly of songs. Next, Joseph Hadyn’s Cello Concerto in C major will be played. It is hard to believe that this piece was only rediscovered in 1961. Although considered lost for centuries, it nowadays is a key element of the cello repertoire. It belongs to early Classicism, still containing formal relics of the Baroque. Contrasting with it will be the Symphony in C minor – a work some ten years younger, in which the brilliance and grace are at times obscured as if by leaden storm clouds. It is an example of the famous Sturm- und Drangperiode in music.