After more than a decade, Japanese violin star Akiko Suwanai returns to the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, for two performances on 19 and 20 January (Kolarac, 8pm). This time she will play the rarely performed concerto by the British composer William Walton, under the baton of conductor Daniel Raiskin. In addition, all Philharmania enthusiasts will also enjoy symphonies of Mozart and Brahms.
 
Akiko Suwanai is the youngest ever winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition and now enjoys a prestigious international career. She has appeared with the world’s most famous orchestras and conductors, including Valery Gergiev, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Seiji Ozawa and many others. A recipient of numerous awards, Akiko is also sought after for the breadth of her repertoire. She will take the BPO audience through diverse moods of Walton’s concerto, played on a Stradivarius violin more than 300 years old.
 
The principal guest conductor of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra from the season 2017/18, Daniel Raiskin has already collaborated with the Japanese violinist and looks forward to appearing with her on two successive nights – once as part of the BPO’s regular season in the series For Beginners, and once in a pre-premiere concert within the Philharmania series of repeat concerts – because once is not enough!
 
“I am fascinated by the fact that the Belgrade Philharmonic’s seasons are sold out much before they even begin. In the world of classical music, this is a phenomenal achievement considering that many renowned European and global orchestras cannot match this level of popularity. That is why I am delighted about the repeat performances of the selected concerts, especially with a star like Akiko Suwanai, because not even hearing her twice is enough”, said Daniel Raiskin.
 
For two successive evenings, in addition to the remarkable violin skills of the Japanese artist, the audience will also enjoy Mozart’s uplifting Symphony No. 32, as well as Brahms’ first symphonic piece, with which the composer paid special homage to Beethoven.
 
The tickets for the concert on 19 January, sold at RSD 600, 800 and 1000, are available at the Belgrade Philharmonic Ticket Office, as well as online.