There is often an occasion for great concerts, but there are rarely several good reasons for a concert recording of an outstanding musical event.

2024 marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Austrian composer Anton Bruckner. For the Swedish conductor Herbert Blomstedt, Bruckner is a genius and the greatest symphonist since Beethoven. No composer is more closely associated with Herbert Blomstedt than Anton Bruckner. And no conductor has dealt with Anton Bruckner more intensively than Herbert Blomstedt.

Probably the world’s longest-serving conductor, with an eventful career spanning seven decades, Herbert Blomstedt celebrated his 97th birthday on 11 July 2024. Closely associated with him for years: the Bamberg Symphony, which he has conducted in almost 200 concerts in Germany and over 20 concerts abroad.

In honour of Anton Bruckner and Herbert Blomstedt, the Bamberg Symphony planned a special gift to their honorary conductor. On 11 July 2024, the day of his 97th birthday, Blomstedt conducted Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony in the Basilica of St Florian, a place to which Anton Bruckner held close ties throughout his life. The great symphonist began his musical career as a Florian choirboy and later continued there as organist of St Florian. Anton Bruckner was repeatedly drawn back to the abbey, where he found his final resting place under the organ.

Recorded live at the Basilica of St Florian Monastery

Contains two bonus films:
- A birthday serenade for Herbert Blomstedt’s 97th birthday