Classics by Camerata

This concert celebrates the music that lies closest to Camerata Nordica’s heart. With Zéphyrin Rey-Bellet leading from the cello, the orchestra presents a programme that reflects the ensemble’s natural expressiveness, vitality and stylistic range.

The evening opens with Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins, a sparkling example of Baroque virtuosity and interplay. With four of Camerata Nordica’s own violinists taking the solo parts, the concerto unfolds as a lively musical dialogue: swift melodies passing between the soloists, playful exchanges and a sense of music-making held in common. It is chamber music at its most energetic and communicative.

This is followed by the elegance of the Classical era in Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C major, performed by Zéphyrin Rey-Bellet. The concerto is one of Haydn’s most radiant creations — playful, expressive and full of melodic charm. The transparent orchestral writing allows the cello to sing freely while the ensemble responds with attentive ease and suppleness.

After the interval comes Tchaikovsky’s beloved Serenade for Strings, a cornerstone of the string orchestra repertoire. From the noble opening theme to the elegant waltz and the blazing finale, the music combines warmth, intensity and emotional honesty — qualities strongly associated with the sound of Camerata Nordica.

Sometimes it is a pleasure to return to our most fundamental musical instincts, and for a string orchestra a programme such as this sits very close to the core: pure, honest and deeply satisfying music.