Beethoven’s Eroica

‘Wong’s expansive gestures are audience-pleasing; sometimes it looked as if he was channelling the music from the performers to the audience in a very visual way.’ (Bachtrack, 2025)

A cellist of international renown, Jan Vogler is no stranger to either of Shostakovich’s cello concertos. His 2020 recording of the Second garnered critical praise for its thoughtful introspection and ‘flawless intonation’ (The Classic Review). Shostakovich’s formidable First, generally agreed to be one of the most difficult concerto works for the instrument, performed by Jan, is certainly not to be missed.  

Unsuk Chin’s subito con forza, written in 2020 in tribute to Beethoven’s 250th anniversary, provides a characterful opening to the programme. In a reflection of this innovative work, Beethoven’s much-loved ‘Eroica’ – which broke expanses of new symphonic ground at the time of its composition – closes the concert.