Performers:
Wiener Kammersymphonie String Quintet
Ola Asdahl Rokkones, Saxophone
Programme:
- J. Sibelius – Valse triste, Op. 44/1 (arranged for saxophone and string quintet)
- A. Dvořák – Scherzo (Allegro vivace) from the String Quintet in G major, Op. 77
- W. A. Mozart – Larghetto and Allegretto con Variazioni from the Clarinet Quintet in A major, K. 581 (arranged for saxophone and string quintet)
- C. M. von Weber – Romanza (Andante) and Alla Polacca from Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 74 (arranged for saxophone and string quintet)
An evening of sonic surprises: instead of the expected clarinet, the saxophone takes on the soloist's role here — revealing how smoothly its warm, sensuous tone fits into the classical repertoire. Sibelius's "Valse triste" opens with morbid Viennese waltz melancholy, before Dvořák's folk-inflected Scherzo brings rhythmic momentum. At the heart of the evening are two arrangements drawn from the clarinet repertoire: Mozart's K. 581 loses none of its songful intimacy, while Weber's Op. 74 concerto gives the saxophone virtuoso room to shine. Norwegian soloist Ola Asdahl Rokkones, whose return to Vienna is eagerly awaited, joins the Wiener Kammersymphonie String Quintet in performances of a precision that casts familiar repertoire in an unfamiliar light.
Wiener Kammersymphonie String Quintet
The Wiener Kammersymphonie is a renowned chamber ensemble based in Vienna, made up of leading musicians from the city's classical music scene. Known for its precise and expressive interpretations, the ensemble has distinguished itself through a versatile repertoire ranging from the classical to the modern. It has performed in major concert halls and collaborated with outstanding soloists and conductors, establishing itself as one of the foremost chamber ensembles.
Ola Asdahl Rokkones, Saxophone
After last year's great success, saxophonist Ola Asdahl Rokkones returns to Vienna. The Norwegian musician studied with Lars Lien, Vibeke Breian, Jean-Yves Fourmeau and John-Pål Inderberg, and has appeared as a classical soloist with, among others, the Arctic Philharmonic, the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra. His artistic achievements have been recognised with the Culture Prize of the City of Tromsø (2012) and the Barents Scholarship (2019), among other honours. Alongside his classical career, he is also active in jazz and has released around twelve albums, including "Norwegian Saxophone" and "Arctic Saxophone" (Challenge Records).
Tickets:
Online ticket sale through Vienna Ticketing:
