Romanticism and Youthful Masterpieces by Anton Bruckner and Camille Saint-Saëns

In this concert, you will enjoy outstanding works composed by two important composers in their youth.

Program Camille Saint-Saens Introduction and Rondo capriccioso for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 28

Anton Bruckner Symphony No. 1 in C minor (Wien version 1890/91)

Saint-Saëns composed the Introduzione e Rondò Capriccioso when he was 28 years old, which became his signature piece. The piece is dedicated to the Spanish violin virtuoso, Pablo de Sarasate. It was originally the finale of Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto No. 1 (Op. 20), but was later published on its own because it became so popular.

Bruckner completed his First Symphony at the age of 44. Interestingly, he remained attached to this symphony even in his later years. After completing his monumental Eighth Symphony, he began revising his First Symphony, which became the Viennese version. In this symphony, we hear both the composer's youthful energy and the maturity and composure of his later years. Therefore, this symphony became a bridge connecting the beginning and the end of Bruckner's musical journey. In this sense, this symphony is both Bruckner's first and last symphony. One could say, this is Bruckner's most unique symphony.

Andrea Rossoux Born in Paris in 2011, violinist Andrea Rossoux began playing at the age of three and gave his first public performances through the Suzuki method. Recognized early for his exceptional talent, he became the youngest student in France to be admitted to a conservatory at the age of four. Andrea has distinguished himself in several prestigious international competitions, winning First Prize at the International Flame Competition, the Jeune Espoir Prize of the International Music Academy of Flaine, and, in 2025, the First Prize unanimously awarded at the France Music Competition. A passionate admirer of Camille Saint-Saëns, Andrea combines remarkable musical maturity with a natural stage presence. Alongside his activity as a soloist, he is deeply committed to orchestral and chamber music, where his artistic sensitivity and leadership have been widely praised. Since 2025, Andrea has been studying with the internationally renowned pedagogue, Boris Kuschnir, in the Pre-College programme of the Kunstuniversität Graz, based in Vienna.

Joe Lio Conductor, composer and musicologist, Joe Lio has been active in various areas of music performance and theory research. His extensive experience in conducting choirs sparked his interest in composing choral works. A survey of those works has already been recorded and released by Naxos Records. In 2020, he earned a PhD in composition, with his works receiving performances in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and elsewhere. Meanwhile, as a scholar, Mr Lio has a special fondness for Renaissance counterpoint techniques, especially those of Palestrina. As a conductor, Maestro Lio has given many concerts in Europe and Asia, with successful collaborations with orchestras worldwide.

Czech-Slovak Symphony Orchestra The Czech-Slovak Symphony Orchestra (based in Bratislava, Slovakia) was founded in 2008 by musicians from leading orchestras in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Since then, it has performed in numerous countries across Europe, Asia, and America. As a regular guest at international music festivals, the orchestra has collaborated with a host of outstanding domestic and international soloists. It has recorded symphonic works and film scores in many European radio studios. The orchestra’s performance style is rooted in the rich traditions of Czech and Slovak music. It is shaped by national temperament, the verve of its members, and the orchestra's specific instrumentation. Its repertoire encompasses Baroque, Classical, and Romantic compositions, alongside numerous contemporary works, many of which were composed in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.