The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra — the major symphony orchestra of the Netherlands — was founded in 1888 and is the world’s oldest. Moreover, it ranks top of a list compiled by the most respectable music magazine, Grammophone, every year.
The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is currently ranked second while the Vienna Orchestra is third. In 2013, the top-20 included the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev, and the Russian National Orchestra, conducted by Mikhail Pletnev (14th and 15th respectively). Critics say that the unique tone of the Concertgebouw Orchestra makes it recognisable among thousands. The legendary orchestra has been conducted by such greats as Bernard Haitink and Mariss Jansons.The chamber orchestra of Camerata Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam is to perform in Minsk this autumn. It comprises artists from this world famous symphony orchestra: the best musicians from around the world, who perform only in the most prestigious concert halls and at top international festivals.
The famous orchestra is scheduled to give a concert in Amsterdam the day before that in Belarus and has cancelled its day-off in order to take part in the Bashmet Festival in Minsk. On October 5th (the day after the concert in our capital) they will perform at their home hall, at the Concertgebouw.
First held in 2006, the festival is conducted under the auspices of the Belarusian President and aims to bring together the creative forces of Belarus and other countries. Outstanding artists have taken part in past years, alongside talented young musicians.
The Yuri Bashmet Festival was initiated by Belarusian pianist Rostislav Krimer, a winner of international competitions and a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London. He is the Artistic Director of the festival, while People’s Artist of Russia Yuri Bashmet, a laureate of State Awards of the USSR and Russia, is the honorary co-chairman of the organising committee.
