The world’s oldest orchestra embarks on international tour with Marie Jacquot and Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider

With more than 100 musicians on stage, the Royal Danish Orchestra brings its distinctive sound and nearly six centuries of musical history to two major European music destinations this August. Led by Chief Conductor Marie Jacquot and joined by internationally acclaimed violinist Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, the orchestra performs at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam on 21 August and at the Menuhin Festival Gstaad on 22 August.

The programme spans intimate lyricism and full symphonic force. Three Pieces for Orchestra by Danish composer Hans Abrahamsen is followed by Johannes Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D major, with Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider as soloist. The concerts culminate in highlights from Sergei Prokofiev’s vivid and dramatic ballet music for Romeo and Juliet.

Centuries of tradition on tour
The Royal Danish Orchestra is the oldest orchestra of its kind. Its history can be traced back to 1448 and the trumpet corps at the court of King Christian I of Denmark. Every musician who joins the orchestra is assigned a unique number marking their place in its history. Former members include John Dowland (no. 140), Heinrich Schütz (no. 259) and Carl Nielsen (no. 647).

For Marie Jacquot, touring is not a luxury but an essential part of keeping a fine orchestra alive and ambitious:

“Touring with the Royal Danish Orchestra is one of the great privileges of my work. This is the oldest orchestra in the world, with a remarkable history and a distinctive, warm sound shaped by centuries of tradition. I am deeply proud to be part of this extraordinary orchestra.

Our programme includes Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, a work that holds a very special place in the life of the orchestra through its long-standing collaboration with the Royal Danish Ballet – a tradition our musicians carry with great pride. It also features music by the internationally acclaimed Danish composer Hans Abrahamsen and leading Danish violinist Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider.

To bring that depth of experience to the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, one of the world’s most iconic concert halls, and to the Menuhin Festival, with its enduring belief in music as a force for human connection, is something I find truly moving.”

From Hans Abrahamsen to Prokofiev
Hans Abrahamsen wrote Three Pieces for Orchestra on a commission from the Berliner Philharmoniker. The orchestra gave the work its world premiere under Sir Simon Rattle in Berlin in 2018. In Brahms’ Violin Concerto, Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider performs on a Guarneri del Gesù violin formerly owned by the Austrian-American violinist and composer Fritz Kreisler. The instrument is on loan to Szeps-Znaider from the Royal Danish Theatre. The concerts conclude with highlights from Prokofiev’s orchestral suites for Romeo and Juliet. The music has a particular resonance for the Royal Danish Orchestra, whose long-standing collaboration with the Royal Danish Ballet has placed the ballet at the heart of its artistic tradition.

TOUR DATES

21 August 2026
The Concertgebouw, Main Hall

22 August 2026
Gstaad Menuhin Festival, Gstaad Festival Tent

PROGRAMME

Hans Abrahamsen
Three Pieces for Orchestra

Johannes Brahms
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77
Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, violin

Sergei Prokofiev
Romeo and Juliet
Highlights from Orchestral Suites Nos. 1–3

The Royal Danish Orchestra’s tour is made possible with support from the Augustinus Foundation.

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If you are interested in reviewing the concerts or wish to interview Marie Jacquot, Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider or members of the Royal Danish Orchestra, you are welcome to contact me at lope@kglteater.dk or on +45 40530035.