Orchestre de Paris – Philharmonie | Esa-Pekka Salonen | Augustin Hadelich | Brahms | Prokofiev

Augustin Hadelich feels at home on stage. “It’s a great feeling of happiness,” he says, acknowledging that if a week goes by without him giving a concert, he immediately starts sensing a nervous tingling. “With the violin, I can express things for which I would otherwise find no words — I can communicate with other people.” Born in Italy in 1984, the German-American virtuoso has reached the pinnacle of his artistry. Few can match his flawless technique and heartfelt tone; his playing is honest and earnest, free of any showmanship. This was how he thrilled the Lucerne Festival audience with his Dvořák in 2022. And now that he is performing one of his absolute favorite concertos — namely, the one by Brahms — great expectations are in order. Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Orchestre de Paris will then present the ten most beautiful pieces from Prokofiev’s ballet score Romeo and Juliet, with captivating dance rhythms and a full orchestral sound. Salonen has chosen the excerpts so that we experience the story of the world’s most famous lovers from its beginning to its tragic end.