Violinist Maria Milstein, this season’s artist in residence, opens the evening with the seductive and temperamental Tzigane, one of Maurice Ravel’s better-known works. The piece seems to be a nod from the Basque-born to neighbouring Spain and is a year younger than the hypnotic Boléro. Maria Milstein then launches a new violin concerto by Max Knigge, composed for the AVROTROS Vrijdagconcert.

The evening ends with Alexander Skrjabin’s Third Symphony, nicknamed ‘the divine poem’. This is another work full of high ideals. The composer believed that the world could be reborn after a great catastrophe, and that then all the arts and senses would be united.

Max Knigge:

“For me, good music is adventurous, exciting and rich in sound. I try to create a unique sound for each ensemble, and I enjoy working closely with the performers. A nice incidental circumstance is that the character of the musician determines an important part of the composition process: it is very inspiring to work with enthusiastic musicians!

Music is meant to be shared, a social phenomenon. A concert – in whatever form – is communication and an experience. The audience is part of the moment and ensures that the result is more than the sum of its parts. Music inspires, it invites reflection, it carries you along, it emotes or it is simply nice to listen to. A lively music culture is of great importance in society. A shared experience connects.”