WQXR Broadcasts James Gaffigan Conducting the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, 8/20

On Monday, August 20 at 1:30 pm ET, WQXR (105.9 FM and wqxr.org) will broadcast live from the Lucerne Festival in Switzerland, conductor James Gaffigan leading the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra in a program that features the world premiere of Wolfgang Rihm's complete work Nähe Fern with baritone soloist Hans Christoph Begemann and Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15 with Hélène Grimaud.

Rihm's new work, a four part symphonic cycle, draws inspiration from Brahms' four symphonies. Gaffigan has led each part of Rihm's work individually, paired with its corresponding Brahms Symphony, in four concert programs with the LSO over the past year and a half. Commissioned by the orchestra and the Lucerne Festival, Monday's concert will be the first time the cycle has been performed in its entirety in a single performance. Rounding out the Brahms-themed program is the composer's first piano concerto.

Gaffigan and the LSO recorded the cycle for future release on the Harmonia Mundi label.

This broadcast will also feature an interview with James Gaffigan and concert host Jeff Spurgeon.

To listen live on Monday, April 20, go to www.wqxr.org.