• The ensemble was founded by the violinist Elena Denisova and conductor and pianist Alexei Kornienko
• Elena Denisova is an internationally renowned violinist, who also plays the most demanding musical works
• The ensemble is dedicated to playing lesser-known works and shedding new light on already known works
• A select circle of soloists

Programme:
L. van Beethoven: Aria from Fidelio for violin and orchestra, transcription by F. Hummel*
L. van Beethoven: Violin Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, transcription of the Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19, by F. Hummel*
F. Mendelssohn – Bartholdy: Concerto for piano, violin and strings in D minor

*world premiere

Attention is immediately drawn in this programme by Beethoven’s Violin Concerto No. 2, which is in fact a transcription of the composer’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 19, written by composer Franz Hummel at the suggestion of violinist Elena Denisova. Beethoven himself did the same thing in reverse when, at the request of Muzio Clementi, he produced a transcription for piano and orchestra of his popular and brilliant Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61, later published as the comparatively little known Piano Concerto in D major, Op. 61a. Franz Hummel accepted the challenge of transcribing the Op. 19 concerto for two reasons. The first is that he was asked to do so by the gifted violinist Elena Denisova, who is able to guarantee an excellent performance; the second is that Beethoven’s profound and masterfully composed music permits such creative interventions.
The Gustav Mahler Ensemble was founded in 1996 by the violinist Elena Denisova and the pianist Alexei Kornienko. Its members are drawn from a select circle of soloists capable of creating unique musical experiences with faultless performances, whether playing rarely heard pieces or the best known works from the chamber orchestra repertoire. The ensemble is a regular guest at the Wörthersee Classics Festival and frequently performs at the Konzerthaus in Vienna and other concert venues in the city. The Gustav Mahler Ensemble has performed to great acclaim in the Netherlands, Finland and Italy.