Nancy Dalberg (1881-1949)
Capriccio (1918)
Opening the concert is Nancy Dalberg's "Capriccio," which marks the start of a blend of traditional and modern sounds. Dalberg, student of Carl Nielsen and the first Danish female composer to write a symphony, creates a composition that is both vibrant and introspective. In this piece she encapsulates an array of emotions and a rich web of harmonic colours - showcasing her genius in a time, where female composers were not really recognized.
George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Rhapsody in Blue (1924)
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue'' stands as a timeless masterpiece. He elegantly combines elements of classical music with jazz-inspired rhythms and blues-like melodies. This iconic composition captures the vibrant energy and cultural diversity of the 1920s in the USA. Featuring SymfUni's very own soloist Leif Willerts on piano, the virtuosic piano part weaves its way through the orchestra. Together with the symphonic but modern sound (for example through the inclusion of the Saxophone in the orchestra) it creates a vivid portrait of the exciting spirit of that time.
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Symphonic Dances (1940)
Concluding our evening is Rachmaninoff's "Symphonic Dances", his final major composition. It marks a milestone in orchestrating emotion through music, including elements and nostalgia for the Russia he had known, and his new place of residence, the USA. This triumphant piece, filled with lush melodies and rhythmic vitality, encompasses a lifetime of musical exploration. Initially intending to title the three dances as Noon, Twilight, and Midnight, Rachmaninoff arguably symbolised the various periods of life, reflecting on his own life journey. The piece is a profound farewell from the composer, and in that sense also from the orchestra, finishing the Summer night on an exciting note.
About SymfUni
SymfUni is a young and dynamic amateur symphony orchestra founded in 2007 by students at the University of Copenhagen. Members of SymfUni not only represent different institutions scattered across the Capital Region, but also numerous countries all around the world. Making friends in a new country can be challenging, but SymfUni provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for international students. In recent years, the orchestra has established partnerships with other student ensembles across Europe and has toured several European cities, including Prague and Berlin. The orchestra's repertoire is broad, ranging from film music to opera and large-scale symphonies. SymfUni
has proven itself capable of tackling ambitious projects such as Sibelius' Symphony No.1 (Fall 2019), Dvorák's Symphony No. 8 (Fall 2021) and Beach's Symphony No. 1 (Spring 2022), especially focussing on lesser known female composers like Louise Farrenc and her Symphony No. 1 (Fall 2023).
About the Conductor
Rose Munk Heiberg is a Danish conductor born in Copenhagen. She has earned degrees in Conducting from the Royal Danish Academy of Music, in Musicology from the University of Copenhagen and in Percussion performance from UFBA, Brazil. She has studied with maestros Pinchas Steinberg, Emmanuel Siffert and Larry Rachleff. Over the years, Rose has worked with several theatres and orchestras in Denmark and abroad - a.o. Den Fynske Opera, Sort/Hvid, KUSO, Chile Chamber Orchestra and San Juan Symphony Orchestra. Rose is the co-founder of the cocreative opera company OperArkitekterne with composer Josefine Opsahl. OperArkitekterne are currently producing their first mythical opera EKKO and are working to widen the diversity within the opera field and to secure a wider representation in the field of classical music.
About the Soloist
Leif Willerts, a long standing member of SymfUni, has contributed to the orchestra's ensemble as a viola player for many years. Despite his dedication to the viola, his true passion lies with the piano, which takes centre stage in this program as he performs as the soloist in "Rhapsody in Blue". While his journey began as a classical pianist, Leif has embraced musical exploration, delving into diverse genres like salsa and jazz in recent years. His evolving musical palette and humble dedication make him a natural fit for interpreting the nuanced rhythms and melodies of "Rhapsody in Blue'' with sincerity and authenticity
Entré: 80 kr
Ensemble: SymfUni - Copenhagen Student Orchestra
Dirigent: Rose Munk Heiberg
Solist: Leif Willerts
| Program | |
| Nancy Dalberg | Capriccio |
| Orchestra | |
| George Gershwin | Rhapsody in Blue |
| Piano and orchestra arranged by Ferde Grofé (1942) | |
| Sergei Rachmaninoff | Symphonic Dances |
| Orchestra |
