The Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra performs under the baton of Alexander Briger, together with cellist Senja Rummukainen, on Friday, April 17 at 8 PM, at Kolarac Hall. The program, bearing the signature of late maestro Gabriel Feltz, brings together Variations on a Rococo Theme by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and the Symphony No. 2 Asrael by Josef Suk.

The Belgrade Philharmonic welcomes conductor Alexander Briger, one of Australia’s most distinguished musicians, awarded the title of Officer of the Order of Australia for his outstanding contribution to the arts. A frequent collaborator with leading orchestras worldwide, Briger has been praised by Zubin Mehta and Riccardo Muti as an exceptional musician. He is joined by the remarkable Finnish cellist Senja Rummukainen, whose playing critics describe as making the cello sing with the expressiveness of the human voice. A collaborator with major international ensembles, she will perform Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme for the audience of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra.

In contrast to the lightness of the Rococo Variations, the second half of the program features the Belgrade Philharmonic’s first-ever performance of Suk’s Asrael Symphony. The work’s tragic tone reflects the period in which it was composed – a time marked by personal loss and dark introspection for the Czech composer. Yet, despite its emotional weight, rays of light break through in the final movement, offering a message of hope and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

This Friday’s concert marks the final in a series of performances in the current season that were originally to be conducted by the late Chief Conductor of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra Gabriel Feltz. On this occasion, the Belgrade Philharmonic will showcase a photo exhibition in the foyer of the Kolarac Hall, available to audiences attending the concert. A special publication titled Thus Spoke Gabriel has also been prepared – a commemorative booklet featuring a selection of Feltz’s writings, interviews, and reflections on the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tickets are available at the box office of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as online.