Yo-Yo Ma plays Dvorák

It is with great joy that we welcome cellist and superstar Yo-Yo Ma back to Konserthuset Stockholm. He is this year’s recipient of the prestigous Birgit Nilsson Prize, the largest in classical music. When in Stockholm, Yo-Yo Ma performs Dvorák’s beloved cello concerto with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra under its Conductor Laureate Alan Gilbert.

Dvorák’s Cello Concerto is passionate and stunningly beautiful. Since it was first performed in 1896, the concerto has retained its position as one of the most beloved works of the classical repertoire. 

Yo-Yo Ma’s multi-faceted career is testament to his enduring belief in culture’s power to generate trust and understanding. Whether performing new or familiar works from the cello repertoire, collaborating with communities and institutions to explore culture’s role in society, or engaging unexpected musical forms, Yo-Yo Ma strives to foster connections that stimulate the imagination and reinforce our humanity.

We also hear Hector Berlioz’ imaginative Symphonie fantastique, a milestone in music history, a rich, flowing and deeply original work. His love for the actress Harriet Smithson, who he saw perform Ophelia in a rendition of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, was an important source of inspiration for the work. The symphony is a dramatic narrative of a love that never gets to bloom, and we follow the young artist through fiery passion, out in nature, and into the world of dreams.