Andris Nelsons returns to Leipzig to conduct the Gewandhausorchester in a series of concerts, beginning with Bruckner’s Fifth Symphony on May 9, 10 & 12. The ensemble has a long history with Bruckner’s music, having given the world premiere of his Seventh Symphony in 1884, and soon after the First World War by performing the first complete cycle of his nine symphonies.

Another recording, part of Andris Nelsons’ and the Gewandhausorchester’s successful Bruckner cycle with Deutsche Grammophon, was released on May 3 this month. The new recording includes Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6, which the composer described as his “boldest” and “most brazen,” and Symphony No. 9, which Bruckner struggled with for a total of nine years. The symphonies are coupled with Wagner’s Prelude to “Parsifal” and “Siegfried Idyll.” More information and purchase links available via Nelsons’ Recordings.

On May 16, 17 & 18, Nelsons will conduct the European premiere of Sebastian Currier’s Aether for violin and orchestra with the Latvian violinist Baiba Skride, a work co-commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Gewandhausorchester, as well as Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. Earlier this month, Nelsons conducted the U.S. world premiere with Ms. Skride and the BSO. Bachtrack heralded the performance, giving it a five-star rating:

“The violin tries on many voices before coming into its own, and Skride gave each a distinct identity. She mimicked not only the notes but the timbre of each instrument in her responses. Loving best describes her embrace of Currier’s score. Nelsons sustained a mesmerizing flow and expressively balanced the coexisting sound worlds. He and Skride will bring Aether to Leipzig in two weeks and then on tour. Don’t miss it.”