Story perspectives

Esa-Pekka Salonen Leads Elton-John-Funded Student Orchestra

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen led a Royal Academy of Music-Juilliard student orchestra in a concert funded by alumnus Elton John.
The program opened with Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three Movements, which the orchestra performed with mostly pinpoint precision.
Vilde Frang’s solo in Berg’s Violin Concerto sang seamlessly, though occasional harsh tonal color appeared.
Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra highlighted strings, winds, brass and percussion, ending with Stravinsky’s Galop from Suite No 2.

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Story summary

Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen led a Royal Academy of Music-Juilliard student orchestra in a concert funded by alumnus Elton John.
The program opened with Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three Movements, which the orchestra performed with mostly pinpoint precision.
Vilde Frang’s solo in Berg’s Violin Concerto sang seamlessly, though occasional harsh tonal color appeared.
Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra highlighted strings, winds, brass and percussion, ending with Stravinsky’s Galop from Suite No 2.