Music for the ages

Classical music fans are in for a treat this week, as some of the best in the business will take the stage at the Warsaw Philharmonic.

On Tuesday January 23, the renowned performer of early music, Jordi Savall, will perform with his ensemble Hesperion XXI. The musician, who specialized in cello at the Barcelona Conservatory of Music, is one of the major figures in the field of ancient music, and is credited as being largely responsible for bringing the viol, or viola da gamba, back onto the stage. Savall has devoted himself to discovering the forgotten works and techniques of early musical instruments. He has recorded about 40 albums, with music ranging from the Middle Ages to the Classical. The concert program includes works by Renaissance and Baroque Spanish composers.

Conducted by Roberto Abbad, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) with pianist Lars Vogt will perform at the Warsaw Philharmonic on Saturday, January 27, as part of its European tour. Despite its moniker as a chamber orchestra, the repertoire for Saturday's performance includes symphonies and concerts by Beethoven, Arnold Schönberg and Gyorgy Ligeti.

Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the SPCO is the United States' only full-time professional chamber orchestra and is considered by many as one of the best such orchestras worldwide. Renowned for its artistic excellence and versatility of musical styles, the SPCO tours nationally and internationally, including performances in premier venues in Europe, Asia and South America.