Schumann and Adams

Big Sur is a region of coastal California, where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific. The beautiful and dramatic views attract many visitors. Dharma is a Hindu concept touching upon the meaning of life. 

This was the starting point for American composer John Adams’ meditative and imaginative electric violin concerto, the Dharma at Big Sur. The soloist is charismatic American violinist Tracy Silverman. “Tracy has developed his own unique style of violin playing – a marvel of expressiveness,” says John Adams. 

The electric violin concerto is bookended by music by Robert Schumann, who also absorbed impressions from his surroundings. Inspired by the generous light and warmth of the Rhineland, in barely a month he composed his third symphony, also known as the Rhenish. In the fourth movement, we can even imagine how Cologne’s impressive dome is reflected in the waters of the Rhine River. The concert begins with Schumann’s Overture, Scherzo and Finale, a playful and elegant “mini symphony”. 

The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra is led by American conductor Ryan Bancroft, who is chief conductor of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra as of this season.