SHMF Concerts: Barenboim, Eschenbach, Ticciati Lead Orchestras with Yo-Yo Ma and Kian Soltani
The Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival (SHMF) hosted three unforgettable concerts. Christoph Eschenbach led the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra in a rendition of Dvořák's Symphony No. 9, which was marked by emotional resonance and accuracy. A striking English horn solo highlighted the Largo, while the concluding chord lingered in the air. Under Eschenbach's direction, cellist Kian Soltani delivered Schumann's Cello Concerto. The festival commenced on August 15 with Daniel Barenboim conducting the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra alongside Yo-Yo Ma in Dvořák's Cello Concerto, showcasing Barenboim's minimalist gestures. On August 16, Hugo Ticciati conducted the New Generation Symphony Orchestra, performing pieces from Hildegard von Bingen to Brahms's First Symphony. The festival continues until August 30, 2026, with performances documented by photographer Marion Hinz.
Key facts
- Daniel Barenboim conducted the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra with Yo-Yo Ma in Dvořák's Cello Concerto in B minor, op. 104, on August 15 at Konzerthaus am Schloss in Kiel.
- Barenboim's conducting was praised for gestural reduction that increased orchestral intensity.
- Yo-Yo Ma played as an integrated partner, not a star soloist, with dialogue with Michael Barenboim.
- Hugo Ticciati directed the New Generation Symphony Orchestra at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg on August 16.
- The program included works by Hildegard von Bingen, Arvo Pärt, Johannes Brahms, and a Swedish traditional arrangement by David Lundbach.
- Kian Soltani performed Schumann's Cello Concerto with the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra under Christoph Eschenbach on August 17.
- Eschenbach's interpretation of Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 'From the New World' was acclaimed, especially the Largo.
- The festival continues until August 30, 2026.
- Both Barenboim and Eschenbach required assistance to reach the podium due to health issues.
- The concerts were documented by photographer Marion Hinz.
Entities
Artists
- Daniel Barenboim
- Yo-Yo Ma
- Michael Barenboim
- Hugo Ticciati
- Kian Soltani
- Christoph Eschenbach
- Jacqueline du Pré
- Hildegard von Bingen
- Arvo Pärt
- Johannes Brahms
- Robert Schumann
- Antonín Dvořák
- David Lundbach
- Marion Hinz
Institutions
- West-Eastern Divan Orchestra
- New Generation Symphony Orchestra
- Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra
- Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival
Locations
- Kiel
- Hamburg
- Germany
- Schleswig-Holstein
- Elbphilharmonie
- Konzerthaus am Schloss
- Großer Saal