An Alpine Symphony In Images + Korngold Violin Concerto
Featuring: Hans Graf & Daniel Lozakovich
Singapore Symphony Orchestra
Photography: Tobias Melle
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Date: Sat, 19 Jul 2025 7:30 PM
The concert began with Daniel Lozakovich performing Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D major. Korngold, who famously bridged film music and classical concert repertoire, filled this piece with sweeping melodies and lush harmonies. Lozakovich’s tone was clear and poised, and he played with refined technique throughout. I especially enjoyed the third movement — the lively jig brought out a playful dialogue between him and the string sections, and the concerto ended with a spirited flourish.
My favourite moment, though, was his second encore: Ysaÿe: Sonata No. 2 in A minor, IV. Les Furies: Allegro furioso. His interpretation was intense and virtuosic, and the way he commanded the stage with just his violin was truly moving.
Violin soloist Daniel Lozakovich on stage with maestro Hans Graf and the SSO
Reading the programme notes before the concert started
All about swedish violinist Daniel Lozakovich, our soloist for the evening.
After intermission, we experienced Strauss’s Alpine Symphony—a sonic journey that used quadruple winds, harps, organ, thunder machines, and even cowbells to depict a mountain hike from dawn to summit .
Did you know that Richard Strauss was only 15 when he hiked the 1,790 metre Heimgarten in Bavaria? The Alpine Symphony was inspired by his experience which apart from the ascent, included getting lost in a storm.
With live projections accompanying the orchestra, featuring photographs by Tobias Melle - captured over three years in the Berchtesgaden Alps, the landscape unfolded in sound and imagery, making me feel I was actually hiking.
As a young violinist, I left inspired by the expressive range of both soloist and ensemble; and eager to carry that sense of musical adventure into my own playing.
