Work of the Week – Pēteris Vasks: Concerto No. 2 “Presence”

By Christopher Peter
3 Aug 2026

Pēteris Vasks against an abstract background of light, flowing shapes and plant-like forms in green, beige and gold tones. The figure is positioned on the right side.

Pēteris Vasks has long explored questions of humanity, responsibility and spiritual awareness through music. His works often transform personal and historical experience into sound worlds that combine emotional directness with moments of stillness and reflection.

Composed in 2011–2012, Concerto No. 2 “Presence” for cello and string orchestra was premiered in 2012 in Ghent by Sol Gabetta and the Amsterdam Sinfonietta under Candida Thompson. The work was commissioned by several European cultural institutions.

A Musical Reflection on Presence

The title itself points toward the concerto’s central idea. Presence is understood not as a physical condition but as a state of attention and awareness. Across its three movements, the music moves between lyrical introspection, dramatic energy and extended moments of calm reflection.

Within Vasks’ catalogue, the concerto exemplifies his ability to translate spiritual and social concerns into an immediately communicative musical language. The solo cello functions not as a virtuoso opponent to the orchestra but as part of a shared musical discourse.

On 25 August 2026 it will be performed at the Stift Festival in Oldenzaal, Netherlands, by cellist Maja Bogdanović with conductor David Cohen. At the Stift Festival in Oldenzaal, the work will be performed on 25 August 2026, featuring cellist Maja Bogdanović and conducted by David Cohen. The concert is a tribute to Pēteris Vasks to mark his 80th birthday this spring and will feature a selection of his works. Amongst other pieces, the programme will include his Second Cello Concerto, solo and chamber music works, and his Second Violin Concerto.