After Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schubert, Jan Willem de Vriend starts a new symphonic cycle dedicated to Schumann. This is the first recording with Stavanger Symphony Orchestra both for the conductor and for Challenge Classics. More than ever through this new and exciting collaboration de Vriend gives a thoroughly original account of the first two symphonies. Just like the French critic Jean Charles Hoffelé puts it, de Vriend is always 'striking'.