The RTSH Symphony Orchestra has opened its new artistic season with a concert on September 15. Artistic Director Blerta Ristani says the orchestra has returned from its summer break well prepared. The next concert takes place on September 26 and focuses entirely on Spanish music. Opera singers Bela Marian and Rubena Moreti will perform, with conductor Facundo Agudin leading the orchestra.

Ristani says she and Agudin have also planned a special concert cycle for the season. Last season, the orchestra performed all nine Beethoven symphonies. This year, the musicians take on Tchaikovsky’s symphonies. Ristani describes the cycle as the season’s main challenge. She says the difficulty increases from one work to the next and requires intensive preparation. The orchestra will perform concerts every week through December. Work will also intensify towards the end of the year for the upcoming festival.

Meanwhile, Ristani highlights the emotional power of Tchaikovsky’s music. She says performing a complete symphonic cycle gives musicians a demanding opportunity to develop their skills. Ristani, who also has experience as an instrumentalist, says musicians maintain a close relationship with their instruments even during breaks. She describes the experience as a “beautiful illness.” The artistic director adds that Tchaikovsky’s powerful themes can create strong emotions for both musicians and audiences.

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