LGT Young Soloists

The Young Soloists unites highly talented award-winning young virtuosos between the ages of 13 and 23 and from over 20 nations, in a world-class ensemble – there is no other project like it in the world.

Among their many groundbreaking successes, Young Soloists are the first youth orchestra in the world to release its first album on Sony Music / RCA Red Seal. Legendary composer Phillip Glass has recently written them a String Symphony.

They continue to sell out some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world such as the Vienna Musikverein. They played a sold-out concert in Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie’s Great Hall to mark their 10th anniversary. And in March 2023 they made their U.S. debut with a sold-out concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

Melbourne audiences will be able to experience the phenomenal talent of these young artists, whom have taken the European stages by storm, in a beautiful programme of string orchestra gems.

Program

Pēteris Vasks
Concerto No.2 Klātbūtne / Presence for cello and string orchestra
Caterina Isaia, soloist

Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks’ Cello Concerto No.2, titled ‘Klātbūtne / Presence,’ is a deeply emotional and spiritual work. Vasks composed this concerto during a time of personal reflection, infusing it with themes of human struggle, hope, and the beauty of nature. The concerto features a blend of lyrical passages and intense, dramatic moments, showcasing the expressive range of the cello.

Franz Schubert (arr. Gustav Mahler)
String Quartet No.14 in D minor, D. 810 ‘Death and the Maiden’

Originally composed as a string quartet, Schubert’s ‘Death and the Maiden’ is one of his most celebrated works. Gustav Mahler’s arrangement for string orchestra amplifies the dramatic intensity and lyrical beauty of the piece. The LGT Young Soloists have recently released their newest album featuring this arrangement, capturing the haunting and powerful essence of Schubert’s masterpiece.