Beethoven!

Every time Shunske Sato steps into the Nieuwe Kerk with our musicians, something special happens: a sense of calm, focus and warm anticipation fills the air. The violinist is known for his direct, pure style of playing and his almost improvisational approach to the score. In this programme, he combines conducting with performing. The evening opens with Beethoven’s Romance No. 2 for Violin and Orchestra – intimate, lyrical and almost confiding, as if Sato is speaking directly to you.

Sato takes you on a journey through Beethoven’s world as you rarely hear it: light, curious and human. In the youthful Symphony No. 1, you hear the clarity and elegance of his sources of inspiration, Mozart and Haydn, alongside the first contours of Beethoven’s own distinctive voice. Symphony No. 8 is rich in rhythmic precision, humour and surprising dynamics. Sato’s open, spontaneous approach brings both works into sharp focus, with a keen eye for both structure and vitality. This is a concert that feels less like a performance and more like a story unfolding in front of your eyes.