Brahms in Paris

Long a staple on the Gewandhausorchesters European tour calendar, Paris proves itself an inviting host for the players – bringing them back year after year.

For the 2013 European Tour, the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig planned two brief stopovers in the French capital, from October 26 and 27, and again November 1 and 2. Bookended by guest appearances in London and Vienna, the Parisian visits are a highlight on the travelling players’ calendars.

A warm reception and welcome atmosphere helped keep the orchestra at ease as they perform some of Brahms’ most challenging works as part of their Brahms Cycle. Under the baton of Maestro Riccardo Chailly, the players on this tour took to the stage of the most celebrated concert location in Paris, the Salle Pleyel.

Playing to a sold-out auditorium with more than 3,000 seats near the Place de l’Etoile, the Gewandhausorchester brought its unique and stunning sound, the so-called Gewandhaus-Klang to the City of Lights. Despite a last-minute replacement of violin soloist due to illness on October 26, the performance went off without a hitch, and the orchestra received a standing ovation for their interpretation.

Afterward, the tour continued, with a concluding stopover in Vienna, where they will play at the world-famous Musikverein from November 2-7. As Official Logistics Partner, DHL has been there every step of the way, delivering the irreplaceable instruments to each of the cities on the 2013 European Tour. And this time, they’re doing it carbon emission neutral, thanks to DHL’s unique offsetting service, GoGreen.