WEST GERMAN SINFONIA LEVERKUSEN Conductor: Dirk Joeres Sponsored by Stadt Leverkusen, EVL, Sparkasse Leverkusen, WGL In 1991 when Dirk Joeres and the West German Sinfonia gave their debut in the Golden Hall of the ’Musikverein‘ Vienna, the press acclaimed the Sinfonia’s ”crystal clear classical splendour“. Since then the Orchestra has captivated audiences in halls such as the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Philharmonie Berlin, Barbican Hall London and the Kennedy Center Washington. Parallel to its international activities the West German Sinfonia plays a major role in musical life in the Rhineland with regular appearances in Bonn, Düsseldorf, Köln, at the ’Rheinische Musikfeste‘ and with its own concert series at the Forum Leverkusen. The Orchestra’s foundation in 1987 is based on an original concept: leading musicians from eight major orchestras in the western region of Germany make up the Sinfonia. Their first CD recording appeared in 1989; in 1990 they toured the USA for the first time. In 1991 the Gramophone Magazine London wrote on the occasion of the Critics’ Choice Award: ”superb playing and expressive, perceptive interpretations“. The Sinfonia’s repertoire is based on the Classics such as the complete Beethoven and Schubert Symphonies, which are being recorded for a CD cycle. It also includes unjustly neglected works as well as first performances at festivals such as the International Beethovenfest Bonn and the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Dirk Joeres and the West German Sinfonia are also regular guests at the Bratislava, Budapest, Cheltenham, Ljubljana and London festivals. On the occasion of their debut at the ’Großen Festspielhaus‘ Salzburg in 2004, the press wrote: ”the Orchestra is superbly grounded in technical discipline and tonal balance. Joeres belongs to those conductors who certainly know how to make music ’speak‘“. In 2007 the West German Sinfonia celebrated its twentieth anniversary – proof both of its artistic quality and the faithfulness of its public. The Anniversary Tour began on 14.11.2007 in Cologne’s Philharmonic Hall with a packed house: „.... an interpretation based on clarity and transparency“ (Kölner Stadtanzeiger), „Excellent Orchestral Playing“ (Kölnische Rundschau). „Schumann’s Overture, Scherzo and Finale op. 52 had romantic verve and refreshing energy“ ..... Beethoven’s 7. Symphony displayed tremendous fire“ (General-Anzeiger Bonn). IN CONCERT... NRC Handelsblad Amsterdam Concertgebouw ”With his alert approach, focussing on tonal beauty and speaking details, Dirk Joeres has formed an homogenous ensemble with a definite character of its own.“ Der Tagesspiegel Berlin Philharmonie ”In their guest concert in the Philharmonie the homogenity of the West German Sinfonia was most impressive. Dirk Joeres inspired rhetoric characterization and transparency.“ Bonner General-Anzeiger Bonn International Beethovenfest ” ... a fascinating account of Beethoven’s First Symphony in C major. In its transparency, crystal clearness and impetus the refined sound of the orchestra left nothing to desire.“ Salzburger Nachrichten Salzburg Festspielhaus ”It is an orchestra superbly grounded in technical discipline and tonal balance. Joeres belongs to those conductors who certainly know how to make music ’speak‘“. Wiener Zeitung Vienna Musikvereinssaal ”… a perfect example of how the classics should be performed. Directed by Dirk Joeres, this Orchestra’s performance reminded one in its splendour of rare Philharmonic highlights.“ The Washington Post Washington Kennedy Center ”The West German Sinfonia succeeds in sharing a musical intimacy that eludes the modern behemoths. Instead of hearing Beethoven, with the Sinfonia you sit next to him. Dirk Joeres conducts with authority, intelligence, directness and musicality“ ON CD... Fanfare USA (Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 and 2) ” Joeres permits the music to flow and ebb in a coherent, expansively developing and changing motion, detailing the inner voices with subtle eloquence. The sound is broad, clear, with both fullness and bloom – qualities so vital to Joeres’ approach. Highly recommended.“ Fanfare USA (Haydn: Symphony No. 80, Schubert: Symphony No. 5) ”Elegant, witty and graceful performances – a remarkable disc.“ Gramophone London ”Critic’s Choice“ (Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 and 2) ”This new recording offers very good, clearly defined reording, superb playing, warm, thoughtful and perspective performances.“ (Bizet: Symphony C major, Sains-Saens: Symphony A major) ”Dirk Joeres presents a wonderful, technically brilliant production. A perfect recording of the highest musicality.“ CD Review London Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 and 2) ”Joeres’ concept, his feeling for expansive melodic phrasing and mature musical insight is brought-over with profound accomplishment and permeates both of Brahms’ Serenades. With their disciplined and homogenous playing also in virtuosic passages, the West German Sinfonia shows itself to be a first-rate Orchestra.“ Fono Forum (Schubert: Symphony No. 2) ”The vigour with which the ’Sinfonia’ already handle the first movement of this early Schubert work, does away with any touch of easy-goingness and head-in-the-clouds simplicity; for the modelling of the inner and bass parts, Joeres insists on an accuracy which achieves illuminating and exciting effects.“ Classic CD London (Mozart: Piano Concerto KV 414, Rondo KV 386, Haydn: Piano Concerto D major) ”These performances are sparkling and well accompanied by the West German Sinfonia directed by Dirk Joeres himself ... his own cadenzas are stylish and convincing.“