German violin virtuoso Frank Peter Zimmermann to headline major symphonic concert in Palma

Renowned German violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann will take centre stage at the Auditòrium de Palma as the star guest of the Orquestra Simfònica de les Illes Balears, in a concert promising musical excellence and a compelling journey through 20th-century repertoire.

The Orquestra Simfònica de les Illes Balears (OSIB) returns to the stage of the Auditòrium de Palma with a high-calibre concert placing international violin star Frank Peter Zimmermann firmly in the spotlight. Widely regarded as one of the leading violinists of his generation, the German soloist brings exceptional technical mastery and expressive depth to a programme spanning diverse musical styles of the 20th century.

Conducted by Finnish maestro Pietari Inkinen, the concert on January 15 at 8.00pm stands out as one of the season’s most anticipated cultural events in Mallorca. The combination of a world-class soloist and a demanding orchestral programme underlines the OSIB’s ongoing commitment to artistic excellence.

A colourful and imaginative opening

The evening opens with Ma mère, l’oye by Maurice Ravel, a delicate orchestral suite inspired by children’s fairy tales. Across five short movements, Ravel creates a refined and evocative sound world, rich in colour and narrative atmosphere, drawing listeners into a poetic and dreamlike landscape.

Despite its seemingly simple inspiration, the work requires great sensitivity and finesse from the orchestra. The OSIB approaches this opening piece with elegance and precision, setting the tone for a carefully balanced and emotionally nuanced concert.

The violin takes centre stage

At the heart of the programme is the Violin Concerto by Frank Martin, performed by Frank Peter Zimmermann. Known for its emotional intensity and introspective character, the work finds an ideal interpreter in the German violinist, whose performances are praised for their clarity, depth and expressive restraint.

A regular guest with the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, Zimmermann brings a mature and compelling reading to the concerto. The musical dialogue between soloist and orchestra, sensitively shaped by Inkinen, is expected to be one of the highlights of the evening.

A powerful and virtuosic finale

The concert concludes with Béla Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, an imposing and technically demanding masterpiece of the 20th-century symphonic repertoire. Designed to showcase every section of the orchestra, the work allows the OSIB to demonstrate its full range, from lyrical passages to moments of raw energy and rhythmic drive.

This powerful finale represents both a challenge and a celebration of orchestral virtuosity, leaving a lasting impression on the audience and bringing the evening to an emphatic close.

An international reference in violin performance

Born in Duisburg in 1965, Frank Peter Zimmermann began playing the violin at the age of five and made his orchestral debut at just ten. Since completing his studies in 1983, he has worked with many of the world’s most prestigious orchestras and conductors, while also enjoying a distinguished career as a recitalist and chamber musician.

Zimmermann regularly performs on a 1711 Stradivarius known as the Lady Inchiquin, once owned by legendary violinist Fritz Kreisler. His appearance in Palma offers a rare opportunity to hear one of today’s foremost violinists live on stage.

What you need to know

Auditòrium de Palma

January 15

8.00pm

Tickets from €30