A French bombshell to kick off the season – Leleux ignites the Nikolaisaal
With elegant dramaturgy and musical virtuosity, François Leleux opened the new season of the Kammerakademie Potsdam (KAP) in the Nikolaisaal – and with a bang. The French conductor and oboist, who has served as artistic director since the summer, unleashed a tonal fireworks display: from Haydn's somber "La Passione" to contemporary parodies of Weill, Schoenberg, Stravinsky, and Strauss – a season opening the likes of which Potsdam has rarely seen.
An evening full of contrasts
The opening itself was surprising – Leleux politely asked the audience to enter the hall in complete silence. A decision that was by no means superfluous during the subtle performance of Haydn's Symphony No. 49 in F minor ("La Passione"): Initially almost mysterious, the work developed into a turbulent dance between Ländler-like attitude and a swirling presto finale. Every gesture, every sound was precisely measured – a moment of great urgency.
Romantic passion meets modern sophistication
Then the jump into French Romanticism: Hector Berlioz's cantata "Herminie" , sung by Carolyn Sampson, unfolded dramatic expression, vibrant soprano and musical intensity between devotion, pride and war - a real goosebump moment.
But the program continued: Nicolas Bacri's "Notturno", composed especially for Leleux, allowed him to shine as an oboe virtuoso – with phrasing that seemed almost fluid and captivated the audience.
A musical kaleidoscope for the finale
The highlight: Bacri's Symphony No. 4, performed by the composer himself. Four movements as a musical homage – ironic and playful – to iconic composers of the 20th century such as Richard Strauss, Igor Stravinsky, Arnold Schoenberg, and Kurt Weill. An invitation to travel back in time, full of wit and respect.
The finale? Haydn again—this time the "With the Drumbeat" Symphony No. 94 in G major—provided majestic clarity at the close, revealing an audience that rewarded the evening with a standing ovation.
Conclusion: A festive start and a brilliant director**
With his first appearance as artistic director, François Leleux not only thrilled the audience musically, but also set a programmatic precedent: Under his leadership, the KAP is ready for sonic leaps between tradition and modernity. It wasn't a purely classical start to the season—it was a French one—with heart, elegance, exciting balance, and visionary energy. Read More