Haydn displays a breathtaking mastery of scholarly writing with the double canons and triple fugues – coupled with a good dose of humour – which run through Symphony No. 70. Commissioned by Peter Eötvös for several orchestras, including the OCL, Aurora describes in its own way the incredible light of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) as seen by the composer flying over Alaska. After his masterful recording of Schubert's complete symphonies, Heinz Holliger brings his exciting new conception of the imposing Symphony No. 9to the concert.