Performed by Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

Conductor: Yannick Nezet-Seguin

Piano: Li Yundi

The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra has been the musical heart of Rotterdam since 1918. The vital, international face of this port town, one of the most important in Europe, finds itself reflected in the elan and character of the orchestra.

The orchestra started to build its name during the period that Eduard Flipse was its principal conductor, from 1930 until 1962. Under Flipse's direction, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra grew to be an orchestra of class. From 1962, the successive principal conductors were Franz-Paul Decker, Jean Fournet, Edo de Waart, David Zinman, James Conlon and Jeffrey Tate. In 1966 the orchestra found its permanent home in the Concert and Congress Hall The Doelen in Rotterdam, a hall that can seat 2320. The orchestra gives approximately sixty concerts each year in the Doelen.

The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra has played in all the well-known musical centres of Europe, visited the United States several times, and made various tours to the Far East. In October 2001 the orchestra made a European tour with Valery Gergiev, that brought them to Vienna, Toulouse, Antwerp and London.

Valery Gergiev has been the principal conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic since September 1995. He was already a regular guest conductor from 1989 until 1992 and lead the orchestra at home and abroad. Every year in September, since 1996, the orchestra has organized the Rotterdam Philharmonic Gergiev festival, with many musical activities. The 2001 edition, featuring Shostakovich’s 4th to 9th symphonies and other compositions from 1930 – 1945, met with great applause and critical acclaim.

In September 1999 Gianandrea Noseda was appointed permanent guest conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. From the season 2000-2001 he has been playing an important role, conducting a wide range of programmes.