Now in its second season under conductor Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Lower Austria’s Tonkünstler Orchestra is still what some of those in the know have called “Austria’s most exciting band.” It will perform Felix Mendelssohn’s Second Symphony, one of the most impressive works of the Romantic period, and the world premiere of a symphony for orchestra by young Austrian conductor Gerald Resch. The concert series “Aufhören? Zuhören!” will feature works by contemporary composers such as Olga Neuwirth, Alma Maria Mahler, and Kaija Saariaho. After inviting world music and jazz stars to take the stage of the Konzerthaus with them for their “Plugged In” concerts of past seasons, the Tonkünstler will now delve into the world of symphonic Klezmer. And last, but certainly not least, Turkish pianist Fazil Say will join the orchestra for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concert. Obviously, calling the Tonkünstler an “exciting band” does not in any way hint at a lack of excellence or depth. It means that this orchestra has been permanently saved from the dead after its “turnaround” under Kristjan Järvi and is following a trajectory that is refreshing, fascinating, and contains a carefully cultivated element of cool.
