Yaroslav Shemet conducts Fitelberg, Mahler, and Dvořák — With Sonya Yoncheva

Join the sensational Sonya Yoncheva at the inaugural gala concert for the 11th edition of the Grzegorz Fitelberg International Conducting Competition! The Bulgarian soprano superstar will interpret Gustav Mahler's gorgeous Rückert-Lieder, five Lieder based on the poetry of Friedrich Rückert that form one of Mahler's most celebrated contributions to the vocal repertoire, and likely his most lyrical and intimate song cycle. She joins the world-class Silesian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra and their dynamic artistic director Yaroslav Shemet (b. 1996), who also perform The Song of the Falcon, a symphonic poem by Grzegorz Fitelberg himself with shades of Strauss and Wagner, and Dvořák's masterful Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," an utterly irresistible blend of Bohemian and American folk influences.

Named for the legendary Polish conductor who founded the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Fitelberg Competition began in 1979 and has become one of the most prestigious competitions for aspiring young conductors in the world. The 11th edition, in 2023, commemorates the 70th anniversary of Fitelberg's passing.