Jonathan Nott conducts a programme symbolic of his legacy
For his final concert at the helm of the OSR
The Orchestre de la Suisse Romande will play its final notes under the direction of its Artistic and Music Director on 16 and 17 December. At Victoria Hall, the programme will resonate with the very essence of Jonathan Nott — a blend of sacred music, contemporary creation and lyrical expression. With his background as a chorister shaping his artistic sensitivity, Maestro Nott has chosen, for his last concert leading the OSR, a selection of works showcasing vocal forces.
The Orchestra will welcome an exceptional cast for Mozart’s famed Requiem: mezzo-soprano Eve-Maud Hubeaux, tenor Jeremy Ovenden, bass Alexandros Stavrakakis, and the Ensemble Vocal de Lausanne. An enduring masterpiece of rare spiritual depth, this Requiem continues to fascinate more than 200 years after its composition.
The concert will open with Grabstein, composed in 1989 by György Kurtág in memory of his singer friend Stephan Stein — a short, poignant elegy never before performed by the OSR. Whistling effects and the placement of instrumental groups throughout the hall give this piece its unique and striking sonic identity.
The conductor and the Orchestra will also reunite with violinist Himari, with whom they performed during their Asian tour last summer. She will play Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, whose immense popularity has nearly overshadowed the rest of the composer’s works. Its gypsy-inflected accents, lyrical themes and brilliant orchestration continue to captivate audiences.
PROGRAMME
Wednesday, 17 December 2025, 7:30 pm – Victoria Hall – Geneva
Thursday, 18 December 2025, 7:30 pm – Victoria Hall – Geneva
Jonathan Nott — conductor
Himari — violin
N.N. — soprano
Eve-Maud Hubeaux — mezzo-soprano
Jeremy Ovenden — tenor
Alexandros Stavrakakis — bass
Ensemble Vocal de Lausanne — choir
György Kurtág — Grabstein für Stephan, for guitar and instrumental groups dispersed in the hall
Max Bruch — Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — Requiem in D minor, K. 626