NSOI: Anastasia Kobekina plays Dvořák Cello Concerto

National Symphony Orchestra Ireland
Anna-Maria Helsing conductor
Anastasia Kobekina cello 
Cór Linn 
Ciarán Kelly director

Dvořák Serenade for Strings
Jessica Traynor & Elaine Agnew What the Future Holds (World Premiere & NSOI Commission) 
Dvořák Cello Concerto

Widely regarded as one of the finest works the Czech composer, Dvořák’s Cello Concerto is celebrated for its beautiful melodies that appeal to both the head and the heart. The renowned cellist Steven Isserlis described it as “a masterpiece,” adding: “It has everything; heroism, excitement, gorgeous melodies, joie de vivre, reflection, tragedy and a profoundly personal narrative.”

Bringing this extraordinary work to life is the captivating cellist Anastasia Kobekina. Winner of the 2024 Leonard Bernstein Award, she has been hailed by Le Figaro as an “unrivalled musician,” enchanting audiences with her striking musicality and charismatic stage presence.

Reflecting National Symphony Orchestra Ireland’s commitment to contemporary music, the programme also features a world premiere by acclaimed Irish composer Elaine Agnew and poet Jessica Traynor, collaged from poetry created by Cór Linn. Emerging from a creative workshop led by Traynor with members of the choir, the texts are inspired by reflections on the kind of future we hope to build for ourselves and for humanity. 

The evening opens with Dvořák’s Serenade for Strings, a work of warmth, charm and elegance. Together, these pieces bring together beloved classical repertoire and new artistic voices, under the direction of Finnish conductor Anna-Maria Helsing.

Presented by NCH