Clara Schumann – The 200th Anniversary Concert – Lauma Skride, Andris Nelsons, Gewandhausorchester

Clara Schumann's Piano Concerto is the composer's only surviving orchestral work. She herself premiered it with Felix Mendelssohn and the Leipzig Gewandhausorchester. Although young Clara was described as shy and reserved, this concert is full of self-confidence, power, and romantic feelings. Last September, the Gewandhausorchester, its music director Andris Nelsons and pianist Lauma Skride celebrated Clara Schumann’s 200th anniversary with a stupendous performance of this unique concerto. It was framed by a world premiere of French composer Betsy Jolas (*1926) and the famous Spring Symphony by Robert Schumann, which, in 1840, was also premiered by the Gewandhausorchester and Felix Mendelssohn.