Andrey Gugnin Performs in Munich: A Magical Evening of Norwegian Romanticism

Andrey Gugnin, winner of the Classic Piano International Competition 2024, performed in Munich’s Herkules Hall on March 23, 2025. The concert, titled "Paths to European Romanticism: Norway’s Magic," featured works by Grieg, Svendsen, and Shor, and highlighted Gugnin’s exceptional artistry alongside the Munich Dacapo Philharmonieorchester under Franz Schottky.

On March 23, 2025, acclaimed pianist Andrey Gugnin, winner of the Classic Piano International Competition 2024, took to the stage at Herkules Hall in Munich for a captivating concert titled “Paths to European Romanticism: Norway’s Magic.” The evening, rich in Northern charm and Romantic expression, was brought to life by the Munich Dacapo Philharmonieorchester under the baton of Franz Schottky.

The program opened with Edvard Grieg’s beloved “Morgenstimmung” (Morning Mood) from the Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, instantly transporting the audience into the poetic landscapes of Norway. The natural serenity and gentle awakening of the piece set a luminous tone for the evening.

Following this, Johan Svendsen’s Norwegian Rhapsody No. 3, Op. 21 added folkloric energy to the program, showcasing Svendsen’s rich orchestration and heartfelt homage to Norwegian musical heritage.

The centerpiece of the concert was Alexey Shor’s Piano Concerto “Travel Notebook”, performed by Gugnin with extraordinary nuance and emotional depth. His interpretation brought a sense of both intimacy and grandeur, confirming once again why he remains one of the most exciting pianists of his generation. Shor’s melodic and cinematic writing resonated deeply with the audience, bridging the past and present in this musical journey.

The evening concluded with a rare performance of Grieg’s Symphony in C Minor, a powerful and often overlooked work that revealed the composer’s early Romantic influences. Under Schottky’s precise and expressive direction, the orchestra delivered a stirring rendition that brought the concert to a dramatic and satisfying close.

The performance was met with enthusiastic applause, marking another milestone in Gugnin’s rising international career and offering Munich a memorable evening of Romantic brilliance through the lens of Norway’s musical spirit.