How does one become totally liberated? “Practise, love and patience!” These three things had to suffice when the young Vengerov had to play his violin whilst wearing gloves as the temperature dropped to minus 50 degrees outside. “For us in Novosibirsk, music was the only way to escape from a repressive system”, said the violinist during an ARTE interview. “However I am a child of the Perestroika”. Perhaps it is the spirit of optimism in Russia and the Baltic countries of long ago that is today responsible for so much talent being given the chance to grow in Eastern Europe. At just over thirty years of age, Latvian Andris Nelsons already has a resounding Bayreuth debut on his resume. Earlier in his career, his abilities led him along a path already walked by another before him – Nelsons is currently head of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, which was significantly influenced by Sir Simon Rattle.

Andris Nelsons Conductor
Berliner Philharmoniker
Maxim Vengerov Violin

Richard Wagner
Tannhäuser Overture

Johannes Brahms
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77

Claude Debussy
La Mer

Maurice Ravel
La Valse