Be Captivated by the Winter Magic of Denève’s Classical Concert in Gothenburg Featuring Masterpieces of Saint-Saëns and Dukas and Embark on an Unforgettable Journey of Music and Culture

Published on December 6, 2025

Are you ready for a magical winter experience? This December, Gothenburg, Sweden, invites you to indulge in an extraordinary night of classical music that will stir your soul and leave you mesmerised. The Winter Magic with Denève concert promises to be an unforgettable event, blending festive cheer with world-class music. Let’s take a closer look at this enchanting event, what makes it so special, and why it should be on your bucket list if you’re visiting Gothenburg in December.

Discover the Winter Magic Concert

The Winter Magic with Denève concert will take place at the prestigious Gothenburg Concert Hall on the 17th and 18th of December 2025. This event brings together the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra (GSO), world-renowned conductor Stéphane Denève, and celebrated pianist Marie-Ange Nguci for a night of exquisite music. The concert will feature an extraordinary selection of classical works designed to capture the spirit of winter and evoke feelings of magic and wonder. Whether you’re a classical music enthusiast or someone seeking a truly magical evening, this concert has something special for everyone.

A Perfect Winter Evening in Gothenburg

What makes Winter Magic with Denève a must-see event this winter? The concert is carefully curated to create a unique blend of music that feels both festive and enchanting. With works from Saint-Saëns, Roussel, Dukas, and Ravel, the evening will transport you to a world filled with the mysteries of winter, magical spells, and delightful orchestral tunes.

This is not just a concert. It’s an experience that immerses you in a dreamlike atmosphere. Picture this: an ornate concert hall bathed in soft lights, a full orchestra playing harmoniously, and the air filled with the kind of music that makes your heart race with excitement. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the holiday season in Gothenburg.

The Musical Programme: A Winter Wonderland of Sound

The Winter Magic with Denève concert isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a journey through sound and emotion. Each piece in the programme has been carefully chosen to create an experience that feels both magical and deeply moving. Here’s a breakdown of the incredible works you’ll be treated to during the concert.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Paul Dukas

To kick off the evening, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Paul Dukas will set the tone for a magical experience. This famous tone poem is one of the most popular pieces in the classical music world, and it perfectly suits the winter theme of the concert. The piece tells the story of a young apprentice who, in his desire to complete a task, uses magic to animate a broom. The result? Chaos, as the broom continues to fetch water uncontrollably. Through the use of stirring music, Dukas paints a vivid picture of magic gone wrong, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. The piece has a playful and mischievous quality, making it the ideal opener for the concert.

Piano Concerto No. 2 by Camille Saint-Saëns

Following the excitement of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, the next part of the concert will showcase Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2, featuring the incredibly talented Marie-Ange Nguci as the piano soloist. This concerto is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful piano works in the classical repertoire. Its sweeping melodies and emotional depth will captivate the audience, with each note beautifully conveyed by Nguci’s masterful performance. The concerto combines the elegance of the piano with the grandeur of the orchestra, creating a soundscape that is both uplifting and reflective.

Symphony No. 3 by Albert Roussel

Next, the concert will take a deeper, more symphonic turn with Symphony No. 3 by Albert Roussel. This piece is lesser-known but incredibly rich in texture and complexity. It offers a wonderful contrast to the lighter works in the programme and demonstrates the sheer power of a full orchestra. Roussel’s symphony brings together swirling melodies and dramatic changes, evoking feelings of triumph and mystery. It’s a fantastic way to showcase the versatility of the orchestra and immerse the audience in a full, orchestral experience.

La Valse by Maurice Ravel

To end the concert, La Valse by Maurice Ravel will leave the audience in awe. This piece is an evocative, swirling waltz that paints a picture of both grandeur and chaos. With its lush orchestration and rhythmic energy, La Valse will take you on a whirlwind journey through swirling, festive rhythms. The piece creates the image of a waltz that transforms from elegance to turmoil, capturing the sense of a winter ballroom in full swing. The piece perfectly captures the mood of the holiday season, bringing the concert to a powerful, unforgettable conclusion.

Stéphane Denève: The Maestro Behind the Magic

A concert like Winter Magic with Denève wouldn’t be complete without a world-class conductor. Stéphane Denève is an internationally acclaimed conductor known for his expressive performances and insightful interpretations of orchestral music. Denève has conducted many of the world’s top orchestras, and his talent and passion for music will be on full display in this magical concert. His approach to music is both deeply thoughtful and emotionally resonant, making him the perfect conductor to lead the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra through such a rich and varied programme.

Marie-Ange Nguci: The Piano Virtuoso

Joining Denève and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra is Marie-Ange Nguci, an up-and-coming pianist whose performances have been described as both technically brilliant and emotionally profound. Nguci’s interpretation of Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 promises to be a highlight of the evening. Her mastery of the piano, coupled with her expressive playing, will make this performance one that you won’t want to miss.

The Venue: Gothenburg Concert Hall

The Gothenburg Concert Hall is one of Sweden’s most iconic venues for classical music. Located in the heart of Gothenburg, the Concert Hall offers an intimate yet grand setting for live performances. The stunning acoustics and elegant interior of the hall will enhance your concert experience, making every note and every passage come alive. Whether you’re sitting in the front row or near the back, the Concert Hall provides excellent visibility and sound, ensuring that every guest can enjoy the performance to its fullest.

Ticket Information and Availability

The Winter Magic with Denève concert will take place on December 17th and 18th, 2025. Tickets for this magical evening are now available for purchase, with prices ranging from SEK 400 to SEK 560 for general admission and SEK 200 to SEK 280 for students and young people under 29. The concert is expected to sell out, so be sure to purchase your tickets early to secure your place. You can also take advantage of subscription packages for those planning to attend multiple concerts at the Gothenburg Concert Hall.

For those attending, the Concert Hall offers a free pre-concert talk about the music and composers, providing valuable context for the performance. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the pieces being performed and get a deeper understanding of the musical journey you’re about to embark on.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Concert

There’s no better way to experience the festive spirit of winter than by attending Winter Magic with Denève in Gothenburg. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this concert offers an unforgettable cultural experience that captures the essence of winter, magic, and music. With a stunning repertoire, a talented conductor, and an exceptional pianist, this concert will transport you to a world of musical wonder.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Gothenburg’s winter season, this concert is the perfect way to do so. It offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of classical music while celebrating the holidays in one of Sweden’s most beautiful cities.

Winter Magic with Denève is more than just a concert; it’s a journey into a magical world of music and wonder. With its stunning programme, top-tier performers, and beautiful setting at the Gothenburg Concert Hall, this is a concert that promises to captivate and enchant. Whether you’re a lifelong lover of classical music or new to the genre, this magical evening will leave you with memories to treasure. Make sure to get your tickets early and don’t miss out on one of the most extraordinary classical music events of the winter season in Gothenburg.