Classical concert in the Christuskirche Bocholt

The symphony orchestra of the University of Münster's University of Music under the direction of artistic director and conductor Marlon Daniel will be giving a guest concert on Monday, 24 June at 6 p.m. in the Evangelical Christuskirche in Bocholt. Listeners can look forward to a special musical event.

The concert begins with Smetana's poignant tone poem "Šárka", commemorating the bicentenary of the composer's birth. The piece describes the legendary warrior from Czech folklore and takes the audience on an exciting journey through love, betrayal and revenge, vividly told through a bold orchestration.

The renowned soprano Jennifer Forni then joins the orchestra to perform Richard Strauss' much-loved "Vier letzte Lieder". With her warm and luminous voice, Forni delivers a captivating performance of these poignant songs, each rich in lyrical beauty and emotional depth.

This is followed by the timeless brilliance of Beethoven's 7th Symphony in A major, op. 92, premiered in 1813 to great acclaim and showing Beethoven at the height of his creative powers. Folk-inspired melodies merge with electrifying rhythms to create a masterpiece that has been celebrated as one of his best works for more than 200 years.

"We are very much looking forward to the upcoming concert and are looking forward to an unforgettable evening full of wonderful music," said Oliver Brenn, Cultural Manager of the City of Bocholt.

Admission is free, but donations in favour of the orchestra's work are requested.

Information about Marlon Daniel

Marlon Daniel is one of the most dynamic conductors of his generation and has been described as "natural and enormous talent" by the Chicago Sun-Times and "fabulous and extraordinary" by Pravda, among others. He was educated in both Europe and the United States, studying at the Manhattan School of Music and the Prague Academy.

He earned diplomas at Fontainebleau in France and at the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía in Spain. A winner of the 2018 Bucharest Symphony Orchestra International Conducting Competition, he has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, from New York's Carnegie Hall to Prague's Rudolfinum.

He is the world's leading authority on the life and music of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. An advocate for the music of living and neglected composers, Daniel is the recipient of the Yvar Mikhashoff Trust for New Music Award and has worked closely with numerous composers and conducted their world premieres.

Currently, Marlon Daniel is active internationally as a guest conductor and is Artistic and Music Director of the Festival International de Musique Saint-Georges, Music Director of the Ensemble du Monde, Founder and Music Director of ACYO (All - Caribbean Youth Orchestra) and Associate Conductor of the Florida Grand Opera. Most recently, he was featured on SONY Entertainment's popular podcast "They Did That!" and the new critically acclaimed recording Total Tango: Music of Astor Piazzolla. In spring 2024, he was appointed Artistic Director and Conductor of the University of Münster Music Academy Orchestra.

Information about Jennifer Forni

Praised by the Washington Post for her "warm, shimmering lyric soprano voice", soprano Jennifer Forni is recognised as a dynamic singer with the power of a classical lyric soprano. In 2013, she made her Metropolitan Opera debut in Wagner's Parsifal, a production that was broadcast worldwide, and has since enjoyed success in the United States and Europe. Jennifer Forni is also at home on the concert stage.

Jennifer Forni earned her Bachelor of Vocal Performance at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and her Master of Opera at the University of Maryland. Following her studies, she won a place on the prestigious Portland Opera Resident Artist Programme, an apprenticeship at the Santa Fe Opera and at the Opera Theatre of St. Louis.