In 1946, Paul Sacher conducted a concert that premiered three works he had commissioned: pieces by Stravinsky and Martinů, as well as Honegger’s Fourth Symphony. Nicolas Altstaedt presents the very same concert programme in Tapiola.
Nicolas Altstaedt leader
Luciano Berio: Les mots sont allés…
Igor Stravinsky: Concerto for String Orchestra in D
Bohuslav Martinů: Toccata e due canzoni
Arthur Honegger: Symphony No. 4 “Deliciae Basilienses” H191
Please note that there will be no intermission during the concert.
At the time of his death in 1999, Paul Sacher was estimated to be the third-richest man in the world, thanks to the Hoffmann-La Roche pharmaceutical company owned by his late wife. Through the Basel Chamber Orchestra, which he founded, Sacher became known as one of the most significant patrons of the arts of the 20th century. In 1946, he conducted a concert featuring the world premieres of three works he had commissioned: Stravinsky’s Concerto for String Orchestra in D, Martinů’s Toccata e due canzoni, and Honegger’s Fourth Symphony, subtitled “Deliciae Basiliensis,” or “The Joys of Basel.” The Tapiola Sinfonietta’s artistic partner, Nicolas Altstaedt, presents the same concert program, which is now as fresh and forward-looking as it was 81 years ago.
