The Oslo Philharmonic is in search of a new chief conductor following Klaus Makela’s departure earlier this year. At a recent performance at the Proms, the orchestra, conducted by Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, presented a diverse and emotionally varied program that received positive audience response.

The concert began with Oyvind Torvund’s *Symphonic Poem No 1, Forest Morning*, which combined naturalistic and electronic sounds to evoke a serene forest atmosphere. This piece was complemented by a recently orchestrated encore, *Starry Night*, which incorporated innovative sound effects designed to fill the Royal Albert Hall in a distinctive manner.

Violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja took the stage for Stravinsky’s *Violin Concerto*, offering a theatrical and edgy interpretation. Critics noted that her performance prioritized dramatic intensity and acting alongside musical expression, a stylistic choice that some found compelling though not always conventionally comfortable.

The latter part of the program featured orchestral excerpts from Prokofiev’s *Romeo and Juliet*, with Grazinyte-Tyla directing the ensemble to emphasize the work’s lyrical beauty and dramatic contrasts. The orchestra’s playing captured both the passion and tragedy inherent in Shakespeare’s narrative, including tender moments such as Juliet’s death scene.

Separately, at the Edinburgh International Festival, the Berlin Philharmonic made its first appearance in two decades under the baton of Kirill Petrenko. The ensemble was praised for performances that combined technical precision with deep emotional engagement. Their rendition of Elgar’s *Enigma Variations* was described as exquisitely played, while Tchaikovsky’s *Symphony No. 4* drew particular acclaim for its power and intensity. Petrenko’s straightforward conducting style focused on emotional depth rather than spectacle, highlighting the orchestra’s resilience and artistic vitality. This performance is scheduled for broadcast on Radio 3 on September 2.

Together, these engagements illustrate the continued vitality of major European orchestras in reaching broad audiences through diverse repertoire and dynamic interpretations, even as leadership transitions unfold.