Silvesterkonzert mit Roderick Cox by Barber, Gershwin, Bernstein, 从 (2024/2024), 导体 Roderick Cox, Konzerthalle, Bamberg, Germany

»Where to sow love, joy as love grows up.« Shakespeare already knew this – which is why we are setting off a lovingly put together musical firework at the turn of the year: it bears the stamp of our guest conductor, who is convinced that »we can understand ourselves and our feelings better through music«. Roderick Cox found his way against all odds: he grew up in a single-parent home in Macon, a small town in Georgia. There was no money to buy an instrument or go to concerts – until a foundation helped him out and he eventually got access to a classical music training programme. Today, he is a strong champion of young African-American artists from underrepresented social backgrounds. And he attracts international attention with his well thought-out concert programmes. In his debut on our conductor’s podium, he would like to showcase the range of US-American music – a fascinating mixture, sparkling like champagne. And although the pieces all originate from his home country, they also deal with more global themes and their expressive power is boundless nonetheless. The musical sparklers and possibly a few more sparking encores add a festive flair, but hopefully also remind us all how invaluable the power of music is for love and peace – in the words of Roderick Cox: »Classical music is not just an art to make us feel good, but it should also inspire social thinking, point the finger at injustice, support our freedom and connect people with each other.«