Herbert Blomstedt is a veteran of the conducting cosmos: at age 95, he still stands at the podium with his trademark verve, analytical precision, and incredible accuracy to the score—which nonetheless often remains closed when he conducts. For the first time, he comes to the Konzerthaus Dortmund with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, which he calls "a uniquely talented ensemble that is completely devoted to music and is prepared to make any sacrifice for its art." In addition to the effervescent Fourth Symphony by Franz Berwald, a composer whose work Blomstedt knows deeply, the maestro leads the COE in Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 3, which saw the composer put to music his impressions of the rugged landscapes of Scotland.

Photo © Martin U. K. Lengemann