Sommernachtskonzert 2020 / Summer Night Concert 2020

Experience the enchanting melodies of the 2020 Summer Night Concert with the incomparable Valery Gergiev at the helm, accompanied by the renowned Vienna Philharmonic and the esteemed tenor Jonas Kaufmann. This captivating album, released on October 9, 2020, under Sony Classical, is a celebration of love and romance through the medium of classical music.

The concert, held annually since 2008, took place on September 18, 2020, and features a diverse repertoire of beloved operatic arias and orchestral suites. The program begins with Richard Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier Suite, followed by excerpts from Wagner's Tristan und Isolde and Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann. The album also includes Massenet's Werther, Mendelssohn's Ein Sommernachtstraum, and Kalman's Gräfin Mariza, showcasing the versatility and depth of the performers.

Highlights of the album include the powerful Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia from Khachaturian's Spartacus, the iconic Nessun Dorma from Puccini's Turandot, and the nostalgic Wien, Du stadt meiner Träume. The concert concludes with the lively Wiener Blut, Walzer, Op. 354, leaving the audience with a sense of joy and exhilaration.

Valery Gergiev's masterful conducting, combined with the Vienna Philharmonic's impeccable musicianship and Jonas Kaufmann's soaring vocals, makes this album a standout in the world of classical music. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

Valery Gergiev is a renowned Russian conductor and opera company director, celebrated for his dynamic interpretations and significant contributions to the classical music world. Born in North Ossetia in 1953, Gergiev studied conducting at the Leningrad Conservatory and has since become one of the most respected figures in his field. He is currently the general director and artistic director of both the Mariinsky Theatre and the Bolshoi Theatre, as well as the artistic director of the White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg. Gergiev's tenure as chief conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and the Munich Philharmonic further solidified his international reputation. Known for his flair for high musical drama, Gergiev's performances are a testament to his deep musical insight and passionate conducting style. Despite recent controversies, his impact on the classical and opera genres remains undeniable.