It all started in 1526 when Gustav Vasa, newly crowned king, wanted to mark his ‘glorious elevation’. Today, the Royal Swedish Orchestra’s (The Hovkapellet) celebrates its monumental 500th anniversary ! In this special anniversary concert, the prominent Orchestra offers a selection of favorite pieces from the last five centuries. Royal Court Kapellmeister **Alan Gilbert** (Chief conductor of the Elbphilarmonie, Hamburg and former Head of New York Philharmonics) guides us through the program and tells us about Hovkapellet dramatic history, as one of the world’s five oldest orchestras in the world. What began as a small Renaissance court ensemble gradually expanded through strong international recruitment and royal patronage, becoming central to Sweden’s cultural and ceremonial life. Nearly five centuries later, it remains a symbol of Sweden’s artistic heritage and musical excellence.