Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel attended the season opening of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra at Stockholm’s Concert Hall.
Prior to the concert, Crown Princess Victoria was invited on stage to give a speech about the return of arts and the importance of them, especially in the midst of a global pandemic.
Embed from Getty ImagesCrown Princess Victoria said: “At a time when we are often offered simple answers, we need to safeguard our ability to ask questions. Art and culture strengthen that ability. It helps us understand ourselves – and each other.
“Therefore, it feels not only fun, but important, to be here today, when the Concert Hall opens the gates for its audience again. Just like many other Swedish cultural arenas do these days.
“The pandemic is still a reality. We can not do everything in the same way as before. But with consideration and care, we can do a lot in new ways. Also in the field of performing arts.
“Dear friends, there is something very special about experiencing art and culture in this way, in a beautiful hall, with others.
“It can be a moment for pleasure and rest, for reflection… It can evoke emotions and thoughts. It can create memories.
“The Concert Hall in particular is associated with a very fond memory for me. I am of course thinking of the fantastic Party Concert before our wedding. A performance that Stefan Forsberg planned and carried out here on behalf of the Riksdag.
“Ladies and gentlemen. I am sure that this evening will also be a nice memory and I look forward to sharing it with you.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra performed to a live audience of 49 people with a larger online audience watching via their Play Concert Hall platform. The opening concert featured the music of Leyman, Britten and Stravinsky.