Sergei Prokofiev outdid himself with his version of the iconic Romeo and Juliet: a shattering drama of extraordinary beauty, bursting with love, hatred, tenderness – and death.

-----

The Japanese composer Dai Fujikura was inspired by a children's book about clouds to write this piece about the sea: “I felt the time was right to create a work that celebrates the entire orchestra. Ocean Breaker is that piece: an orchestral concerto where the waves of sound surge, collide, and transform, much like the ever-changing sky.”

Next, pianist Jan Michiels performs Antonín Dvořák’s only piano concerto, a fascinating gem of the romantic repertoire. Dvořák deliberately moved away from the traditional 'battle' between soloist and orchestra, creating instead a symphonic adventure with two equal protagonists. Do not expect a mere display of technical bravura from the pianist, but rather an organic and delicate interplay in which piano and orchestra blend in perfect harmony.

Sergei Prokofiev outdid himself with his version of the iconic Romeo and Juliet: a shattering drama of extraordinary beauty, bursting with love, hatred, tenderness – and death. Deploying the full power of the orchestra with striking efficiency, Prokofiev makes the passion and deep tragedy of Shakespeare's masterpiece tangible. From heavy, menacing basses to feather-light, lyrical melodies: the score is packed with contrasts, bringing the protagonists to life in vivid nuance.

-----

Prokofiev's original ballet score consists of 52 movements, totaling over two hours of music. He distilled two suites from it himself, and throughout history, conductors have frequently crafted their own selections. Music Director Kazushi Ono closes this season with his personal anthology of this breathtaking musical love story.