A journey of discovery with young stars: Camille Saint-Saëns – The Complete Concertos Vol. 3
With the third album in the New Talents Edition, ‘Camille Saint-Saëns – The Complete Concertos’, the Berlin Classics label once again takes its listeners on a melodious journey of discovery through the world of the great French composer. Following the acclaimed debut with Leia Zhu (Vol. 1), which won the OPUS Klassik award, and the highly acclaimed interpretations by Jae Hong Park, Lionel Martin and Ben Goldscheider (Vol. 2), a new generation of soloists will continue the series from 24 April 2026, in what has become one of the most exciting edition projects in classical concert literature.
This unique series is made possible by the Swiss Orpheum Foundation and the Eppur si muove Foundation, also based in Switzerland, whose aim is to bring young musicians together with outstanding partners, thus enabling them to make a lasting start to their international careers. Promoting young talent has always been at the heart of the Orpheum Foundation. Under the artistic direction of Oliver Schnyder, a committee of internationally renowned artists selects soloists whose skills and personalities bring a new radiance to the works.
The highest musical quality was also the focus for the third album: with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra and the experienced, inspiring Howard Griffiths at the conductor’s podium, four young soloists make their debut in an outstanding line-up.
First up is pianist Yilan Zhao, originally from southern China, who interprets Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 17 – a work that was already full of original ideas and emotional depth when composed by the young composer. From the dark interludes of the middle movement to the radiant outer movements, it becomes clear that virtuosity and thoughtfulness are mutually dependent.
Hayoung Choi, a multi-award-winning cellist from Bielefeld who performs worldwide, explores the Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33. Saint-Saëns breaks the boundaries of conventional concert concepts with his experimental form. Hayoung Choi effortlessly combines lyricism and energy, rich colours and technical brilliance – making it clear why this masterpiece is an essential part of any cellist’s repertoire.
Another highlight is the finale of the album: Saint-Saëns’ most famous composition, The Carnival of the Animals. Virtuosic, humorous and surprising – animals such as lions, turtles, elephants and donkeys are portrayed musically in 14 miniature pieces. The two young Turkish pianists Ilyun Bürkev & Arya Su Gülenç master the insanely demanding piano part with impressive ease and enthusiasm. Both Bürkev and Gülenç have made a name for themselves as exceptional talents through internationally renowned competitions and performances, and demonstrate their ensemble playing and creative imagination on this recording.
Since 1990, the Swiss Orpheum Foundation has been promoting young musicians, giving them a stage and a boost for their international careers with partners such as the traditional ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra and conductors such as Howard Griffiths. It is precisely the close cooperation and mutual trust within the orchestra that creates an inspiring environment for new voices to develop.
