The Prague Spring debut of a piano rising star Lucas Sternath, Lahav Shani and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra in works by Schumann, Brahms and Johan Wagenaar. “There is the most complete accord between us… It is not his youth that attracts me: not, perhaps, my flattered vanity. No, it is the fresh mind, the gloriously gifted nature, the noble heart, that I love in him.” This is one of Clara Schumann’s diary entries, however, she is not referring to her husband Robert, but to their mutual friend Johannes Brahms. The programme for the concert given by the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates these three superb 19th century artists, who were united by love, respect and “divine talent”. Nevertheless, a surprise awaits the audience at the start of the concert — in the form of a piece that is virtually unknown in the Czech Republic, the overture Cyrano de Bergerac by Dutch composer Johan Wagenaar (1862—1941), a work reminiscent of the great Romantic scores of Richard Strauss. And this will be a special Prague Spring evening in other respects as well. Making his Czech debut at the festival is Austrian pianist Lukas Sternath, winner of the 2022 International ARD Music Competition in Munich and holder of the prestigious title ECHO Rising Star 2024. And standing on the Prague Spring rostrum for the first time will be 36-year-old Chief Conductor of the Rotterdam, Israel and Munich Philharmonics, Lahav Shani. programme Johan Wagenaar — Cyrano de Bergerac Op. 23, Overture Robert Schumann — Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in A minor Op. 54 Johannes Brahms — Symphony No. 2 in D major Op. 73 performers Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra Lahav Shani conductor Lukas Sternath piano More all events festivals Prague Spring Festival 12. 5. 2026—4. 6. 2026