Let's embark on a journey to the sunny south of France, where new talent meets grand masters. You'll be treated to lively and heartfelt piano performances, virtuosic Romanticism and an exciting interplay with the orchestra. Both Camille Saint-Saëns and the Polish-French composer Frédéric Chopin – both Parisians and mutual musical admirers – elevated Romanticism and were influenced by the playful style of Impressionism.

Tonight, one of the Netherlands' finest piano talents will meet our regular guest conductor, Richard Egarr. Chopin showed his genius with his Piano Concerto No. 1, featuring dazzling themes, rich chords and musical flourishes. The Hague-based pianist Nikola Meeuwsen, with his exquisite touch, was born for this. He won the prestigious Concertgebouw Young Talent Award in 2019 and the Grachtenfestival Prize in 2022. Tonight, you will also hear Camille Saint-Saëns's vibrant and often overlooked Symphony No. 2. The composer emphasised lively melodies, stirring rhythms and vibrant orchestral colours. Finally, you'll get to enjoy the intertwining of Eastern and Western sounds in the great composer Arvo Pärt's pure-hearted Orient & Occident.