Two of the finest orchestras in the world are heading to Shanghai to divert music lovers from the recession depression blues.

Despite the worldwide financial downturn, classical music lovers in Shanghai are still enjoying riches. Looming in May are two top-level concerts from two world-famous orchestras - the Staatskapelle Dresden from Germany and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra from the United States.

The Staatskapelle will feature pianist Emanuel Ax, one of cellist Yo-Yo Ma's favorite partners, at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center on May 6.

Polish-born Ax is renowned for his poetic interpretation and virtuosity.

Recent performance highlights included tours with long-standing colleagues, cellist Ma and Bronfman; a tour that included concerts in Guangzhou, Beijing, Seoul, Hong Kong and Taipei; and a tour of the US with the Dresden Staatskapelle and conductor Myung-Whun Chung.

The ensemble retains its international reputation as a "Strauss Orchestra." Richard Strauss had close links to the orchestra for more than 60 years. Nine of his operas were premiered in Dresden, including "Salome," "Elektra" and "Der Rosenkavalier."

Founded in 1548, the Staatskapelle Dresden is one of the oldest orchestras in the world with 461 years of history. Fine music directors and internationally acclaimed players have characterized the orchestra.

As well as Strauss, many other famous composers have written works that were either dedicated to the orchestra or first performed by it, including Vivaldi, Schumann, Wagner, Liszt and Hindemith.

The Staatskapelle's last performance in Shanghai was in November 2006, when it was conducted by South Korean Chung.

Ten days after the Staatskapelle's concert, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will perform at the same venue with pianist Garrick Ohlsson playing Beethoven. It will be the closing performance of the Shanghai Spring International Music Festival.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's (PSO) coming concert in Shanghai has had to overcome sponsorship difficulties to make the trip.

The concert will include Beethoven's "Piano Concert No. 5" and "Symphony No. 7."

"The Emperor" will replace the "Piano Concert No. 4" which had been listed.

For more than 100 years, the PSO has been an essential part of Pittsburgh's cultural landscape. Today the orchestra remains among the world's top orchestras, and has been named by some as the "Greatest American Orchestra."

Source: Shanghai Daily

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