The Gothenburg Symphony is Sweden’s national orchestra. It was founded in 1905. Under the direction of Neeme Järvi the orchestra has become one of Europe’s leading symphonic ensembles. Besides Gustavo Dudamel and Christian Zacharias, Péter Eötvös shapes the ensemble’s artistic profile as the principal guest conductor for modern and contemporary repertoire. The violin soloist for the Hungarian première of the new Eötvös composition will be Akiko Suwanai, the youngest ever winner in the history of the Tchaikovsky Competition. The new work will be heard on a wonderful old instrument: the virtuoso violinist plays the 1714 Dolphin Stradivari of the legendary Jascha Heifetz.

It can be said without a doubt that Carmen is one of the most popular, if not the most popular opera ever written. Even kindergarteners confidently hum the Habanera or the Toreador song, but it was not just because of the ear-catching melodies that Georges Bizet won his place in the pantheon of operetta composers. Carmen represents a peak in musical mood painting, the French composer perfectly evokes the period atmosphere of Spain, dusty Seville and its surroundings.