With the support of the Onassis Foundation, scholar Nikos Michalakis directed the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a series of concerts. The first concert was given at London’s Cadogan Hall on 29 March 2006 and featured works of Wagner and Brahms.
More specifically, the first part of the concert included two works of Wagner, which were inspired by the female figures that dominated his life. They were both performed by soprano, Eva Johansson. The Siegfried Idyll, lyrical, tranquil and introverted, was written as a birthday present for the composer’s wife.
The Wesendonck Lieders were based on five poems written by his patron’s wife, Mathilde Wesendonck. Finally, Brahms’ Second Symphony is a magnificent work with expressive depth, elegance and vivacity.
