Czech conductor Libor Pešek has enjoyed an international career spanning 50 years, and this irresistible programme is the perfect showcase for his celebrated interpretations of Czech music. Smetana’s exuberant Overture to his comic opera, The Bartered Bride, brims with infectious energy, whereas Dvořák’s impassioned Symphony No.7 captures the full emotional spectrum of Czech musical styles. With its profound depth of feeling and masterful orchestral balance, this is considered by many to be Dvořák’s greatest symphonic achievement.
At the heart of this programme, Leon McCawley performs the First Piano Concerto by Polish composer Chopin, whose exquisite writing for the soloist overflows with romance.
Enrique Bátiz conducts Sibelius' Violin Concerto, with soloist Jack Liebeck, and Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony, preceded by Wagner's Overture to The Flying Dutchman.
An all-British programme, including Walton's Cello Concerto performed by Laura van der Heijden, BBC Young Musician 2012, and Elgar's 'Enigma' Variations.
A concert of music by one of Britain's most dynamic composers, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, including his Sixth Symphony, Violin Concerto No.1, and the irrepressible Orkney Wedding.
A heady mix of new music and established classics, including the London premiere of Tarik O'Regan's Heart of Darkness Suite and Sibelius' Symphony No.2.
A sumptuous array of film and theatre music by Leonard Bernstein, including songs from West Side Story, Candide, On The Town, Wonderful Town and Trouble in Tahiti, alongside orchestral gems.
