Thomas Hampson and Ksenija Sidorova in Schubert's Winterreise and more

Thomas Hampson and Ksenija Sidorova

Schubert's Winterreise for a very special line-up: baritone and accordion. The charismatic singer Thomas Hampson needs no introduction. He maintains a close bond with Het Concertgebouw, his memorable performances on the Van Baerlestraat are legion. At his side during this birthday tour (Hampson turns 70!) the Latvian accordionist Ksenija Sidorova, who awakens music from Bach to Piazzolla. Her grandmother once encouraged her to play the accordion, as an ambassador of this sultry instrument she now works with great names from the classical music world in grand music such as Schubert's Winterreise .

Schubert's Winterreise and songs by Kurt Weill

When the terminally ill Schubert wrote Winterreise , the realization of his approaching end played a role in the creative process. But this song cycle rises far beyond the experiences of one person: the indefinite journey on foot through the cold – the early romantic 'Wandern' in optima forma – is the metaphor for the suffering of human existence. Lost love and approaching death, these are the subjects to which Schubert devotes his art, in response to the poet's final question: 'Willst zu meinen Liedern deine Leier dreh'n?' Winterreise has been arranged for many different instruments and ensembles in recent decades: from guitar to chamber orchestra, from jazz to tango ensemble. Tonight Hampson and Sidorova will perform their concise version of Schubert's masterpiece. After the interval, songs by Weill and works by Stravinsky and Piazzolla, among others, will be performed.