Alexander Borodin, whose F minor Quintet for two violins, viola and two cellos (1859/60) is performed in this chamber concert, belonged to the circle of composers of the «Mighty Handful» - a group of composers who strived for an independent Russian music free from the Western tradition. Like his colleagues in this circle, Borodin was musically self-taught; his full-time occupation was physician and professor of organic chemistry in St. Petersburg. The career of Alexander Glazunov, 30 years younger, who became a professor at the St. Petersburg Conservatory at an early age, was more conventional. In his String Quintet in A Major, Op. 39 (1892), he succeeded in synthesizing the pithy Russian style of the «Mighty Handful» with the elegant classicism of Tchaikovsky.

Once again this season, various ensemble formations of the Philharmonia Zurich present chamber music in the loosely intimate series of our brunch and lunch concerts. Together with the musicians, you will discover trouvailles of works, well-known works in unusual arrangements and listening adventures of a special kind.

The chamber concerts take place in the magnificent Spiegelsaal of the Opera House. Afterwards, we look forward to welcoming you to the new Bernadette Restaurant for brunch or lunch à la carte. Reserve your table with a splendid view of the glittering Lake Zurich and the lively Sechseläutenplatz at +41 44 268 64 64 or www.bernadette.ch.