Almost a year to the day when Paavo Järvi and the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich were scheduled to make their first tour together they have at last succeeded, with performances at the summer festivals of Schleswig Holstein, Graffenegg and Lucerne.
With two programmes focused on the music of Schumann and Schubert the critics were unanimous: ‘they are a true dream team’ wrote the Hamburger Abendblatt following the concert at the Elbphilhamonie. ‘Paavo Järvi leads lovingly, tightly and naturally, breathing with his musicians and creating vivid contrasts. In doing so, he delights with a rich palette of colors.’
Of their performance at the Graffenegg Festival Der Kurier commented ‘Järvi let us hear why he is one of the most sought-after conductors” and Der Standard wrote “Schubert’s Great C Major Symphony – lasts 60 minutes, and the Tonhalle-Orchester Zurich under Paavo Järvi interprets it as an ingenious panorama of Schubertian sounds and motifs, from the call of the horns at the beginning to the stormy gallop in the finale. In between, one hears sublime sounds of nature, rousing romantic élan, serenity and melancholy.’
Of their performance of Schumann’s Symphony No.3 in Lucerne, Seen and Heard commented ‘Järvi constantly highlighted the contrasts of the score, with gentle ritardandos and sudden accelerandos, which made for exciting listening’.
Paavo Järvi and the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich reunite for their third season and their first concert in the newly renovated Grosse Tonhalle Concert Hall on 15th September.