Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky considered Ukraine a second home and refuge, and he began work on this symphony while staying just outside of Kyiv. One of his most joyful compositions, this symphony creatively incorporates Ukrainian folk songs. The concert features a percussion concerto commissioned for Christoph Sietzen, who has been praised as an outstanding talent, “a refreshingly natural musician notable for his technical mastery and powerful stage presence.”
Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony

Christoph Sietzen (Photo: Stefan Sietzen)
Playlist
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 29 in A, K. 201
Johannes Maria Staud: Whereas the Reality Trembles [World Premiere, TCO Co-Commission]
Christoph Sietzen, percussion
Hubert von Goisern: Improvisation on the song ‘Jodler für Willi’ (encore)
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2 in C minor Op 17 ‘Ukrainian