Romanticism and Youthful Masterpieces by Anton Bruckner and Camille Saint-Saëns

In this concert, you will enjoy outstanding works composed by two important composers in their youth.

Program
Camille Saint-Saens
Introduction and Rondo capriccioso for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 28
Anton Bruckner
Symphony No. 1 in C minor (Wien version 1890/91)

Saint-Saëns composed the Introduzione e Rondò Capriccioso when he was 28 years old, which became his signature piece. The piece is dedicated to the Spanish violin master, Pablo de Sarasate. It was originally the finale of Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto No. 1 (Op. 20), but it was later published on its own because it became so popular.

Bruckner completed his First Symphony at the age of 44. Interestingly, he remained attached to this symphony even in his later years. After completing his monumental Eighth Symphony, he began revising his First Symphony, which became the Viennese version of it. In this symphony, we can hear both the composer’s youthful energy and his maturity and composure in his later years. Therefore, this symphony became a bridge connecting the beginning and the end of Bruckner’s musical journey. In this sense, this symphony is both Bruckner’s first and last symphony. We could say this is Bruckner’s most unique symphony.

Andrea Rossoux
Born in Paris in 2011, violinist Andrea Rossoux began playing at the age of three and gave his first public performances through the Suzuki method. Recognized early for his exceptional talent, he became the youngest student in France to be admitted to a conservatory at the age of four. Andrea has distinguished himself in several prestigious international competitions, winning First Prize at the International Flame Competition, the Jeune Espoir Prize of the International Music Academy of Flaine, and, in 2025, the First Prize unanimously awarded at the France Music Competition. A passionate admirer of Camille Saint-Saëns, Andrea combines remarkable musical maturity with a natural stage presence. Alongside his activity as a soloist, he is deeply committed to orchestral and chamber music, where his artistic sensitivity and leadership have been widely praised. Since 2025, Andrea has been studying with the internationally renowned pedagogue Boris Kuschnir in the Pre-College programme of the Kunstuniversität Graz, based in Vienna.

Joe Lio
Conductor, composer and musicologist, Joe Lio has been active in various areas of music performance and theory research. His extensive experience in conducting choirs sparked his interest in composing choral works. A survey of those works has already been recorded and released by Naxos Records. In 2020, he earned a PhD in composition, with his works receiving performances in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and elsewhere. Meanwhile, as a scholar, Mr Lio has a special fondness for Renaissance counterpoint techniques, especially those of Palestrina. As a conductor, Maestro Lio has given many concerts in Europe and Asia, with successful collaborations with orchestras worldwide.