The Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra returns to Shanghai, led by acclaimed conductor Andris Nelsons, in a long-awaited appearance after seven years. The concert features Schumann’s Symphony No. 1 “Spring” alongside Act I of Wagner’s Die Walküre, performed with three leading international opera soloists. The program brings together German Romantic symphonic tradition and Wagnerian opera in one evening.

About the Concert

The Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra returns to Shanghai on May 26 at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center, led by conductor Andris Nelsons. After seven years, this marks a highly anticipated appearance by one of the world’s oldest and most respected symphony orchestras.

The program combines two pillars of German Romantic music: Schumann’s Symphony No. 1 “Spring” and Act I of Wagner’s Die Walküre. The evening also features three internationally active opera singers, bringing Wagner’s dramatic world to life in a concert setting.

The performance connects historical legacy with living tradition, including a direct link to the orchestra’s own history as the ensemble that premiered Schumann’s “Spring” Symphony in 1841.

Performers

Conductor | Andris Nelsons

One of the most sought-after conductors internationally, closely collaborating with leading orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic and Vienna Philharmonic. He is a five-time Grammy Award winner and currently serves as Music Director of both the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra.

Soprano | Sarah Wegener

An English-German soprano known for her expressive depth and versatility across repertoire from Handel and Strauss to Wagner and contemporary music. She is widely active in major European festivals and has collaborated with leading conductors and orchestras including the London Philharmonic and Orchestre de Paris.

Tenor | Klaus Florian Vogt

One of today’s leading Wagner tenors, internationally recognized for his interpretation of Lohengrin. He has performed with major orchestras including the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and collaborated with conductors such as Andris Nelsons and Daniel Barenboim.

Bass | Vitalij Kowaljow

A leading bass in the opera world, known for his deep and expressive voice and wide Wagnerian repertoire. He has performed at major houses including the Metropolitan Opera, Bayreuth Festival, and La Scala.

Orchestra | Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra

One of the world’s oldest orchestras, founded in 1743, known for its rich “Leipzig sound” and central role in German musical history. It has premiered works by composers such as Mendelssohn, Beethoven, and Brahms, and remains a cornerstone of the German symphonic tradition.

Program

• Robert Schumann – Symphony No. 1 in B-flat Major “Spring”, Op. 38
• Richard Wagner – Die Walküre, Act I (WWV 86B)

Why Go

This concert brings together two defining forces of German Romantic music in a single evening: Schumann’s radiant “Spring” Symphony and Wagner’s emotionally charged Die Walküre. With Andris Nelsons at the podium and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra performing a work they premiered nearly two centuries ago, the program carries both historical weight and artistic authority. The addition of leading Wagner singers transforms the second half into a rare concert-form opera experience, offering Shanghai audiences a powerful encounter with large-scale symphonic and operatic tradition at its highest level.