One of the world’s greatest harpists, Xavier de Maistre, returns to perform with the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra on November 14 at Kolarac Hall (8 p.m.). Under the baton of Rodolfo Barráez, the harp superstar will perform Boieldieu’s Harp Concerto, while the program dedicated to the Classical era also features works by Cherubini and Mozart.

A favorite of both international and local audiences, de Maistre captivated and dazzled Belgrade listeners during his previous performances with the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra back in 2015 and 2018. Renowned for his remarkably wide repertoire, he often performs works that few harpists before him have even considered attempting. His innovative approach has earned him a reputation as one of the most imaginative and distinctive musicians of his generation, capable of translating orchestral masterpieces into breathtaking harp performances. Through his artistry, de Maistre has brought the harp to the forefront of the concert stage, revealing its extraordinary richness and expressive power.

De Maistre was the first French musician ever to join the Vienna Philharmonic, before embarking on a brilliant solo career that has included collaborations with major orchestras and legendary conductors such as Kristjan Järvi, Riccardo Muti, André Previn, and Sir Simon Rattle. With the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, on Friday night concert he will perform Boieldieu’s Harp Concerto, a piece whose enduring presence in the repertoire is owed largely to de Maistre himself. Often described as the French Mozart, Boieldieu’s refined elegance and melodic charm make this concerto a perfect showcase for de Maistre’s virtuosity, one that Belgrade audiences eagerly await.

The concert also marks the first appearance of young Venezuelan conductor Rodolfo Barráez with the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra. Currently based in Berlin, Barráez is celebrated for the vitality, sensitivity, and passion he brings to his performances. He serves as an associate conductor of both the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. The evening’s program opens with Cherubini’s Overture from opera Medea and concludes with one of the gems of Classical music, Mozart’s Symphony No. 39.