Herbert Blomstedt and Martha Argerich in Lucerne

16 AUG 2020: The debut of Herbert Blomstedt with the Lucerne Festival Orchestra to be streamed live on Arte Concert on 14/15 August and broadcast on Arte TV on 16 August.

Thanks to this special Summer Festival, Herbert Blomstedt is at long last making his debut with the Lucerne Festival Orchestra! You could hardly tell that the Swedish maestro, who has chosen Lucerne as his home, celebrated his 93rd birthday in July, for he gives an impression of such vitality, awareness, and curiosity. What is the secret behind his youthful freshness? “I’m in love with music,” says Blomstedt, who views his profession as a kind of joie de vivre.

The two programs with which Blomstedt is opening the festival offer just what is needed for musical experiences that promise to be deeply satisfying. With Ludwig van Beethoven, Blomstedt focuses on a composer who ranks among his personal list of favorites. Martha Argerich has engaged with Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto longer than any other throughout her unique career. Now, she performs her “signature piece” with Herbert Blomstedt and the Lucerne Festival Orchestra.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36 (Friday, 14 August)
Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55 “Eroica”

Lucerne Festival Orchestra
Herbert Blomstedt conductor
Martha Argerich piano

A production of Accentus Music in coproduction with Arte G.E.I.E., NHK, SSR SRG and Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen.

Live on Arte Concert on August 14 and 15. The “Eroica” will be broadcast on Arte on Sunday, 16 August at 17:50.

Production Company Accentus Music GmbH
Executive Producer Paul Smaczny
Conductor Herbert Blomstedt
Soloist Martha Argerich
Orchestra / Band Lucerne Festival Orchestra
Coproduction Company Arte G.E.I.E.
Coproduction Company NHK
Coproduction Company SSR SRG
Coproduction Company Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen
Composer Ludwig van Beethoven