Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances, from his opera Prince Igor, are amongst his most famous pieces, full of exotic melodies and vibrant orchestration. Cellist Dimitri Maslennikov has a special affinity for Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, a delightful set of variations on an elegant theme inspired by Mozart.
While living in America, Czech composer Dvořák was enchanted by the music he heard there, declaring: ‘These beautiful and varied themes are the product of the soil. They are the folk songs of America’. For his Ninth Symphony, Dvořák emulated this style, while also recalling the music of his homeland. The result is his most popular symphony, its famous Largo just one of many glorious moments.
(The RPO regrets to announce that, due to unforeseen circumstances, Dimitri Maslennikov is unable to perform this evening and has been replaced by Julian Steckel. The programme remains unchanged.)
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 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.
Enrique Bátiz conducts Sibelius' Violin Concerto, with soloist Jack Liebeck, and Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony, preceded by Wagner's Overture to The Flying Dutchman.
Smetana's Bartered Bride Overture and Dvořák's Symphony No.7 frame Chopin's First Piano Concerto with soloist Leon McCawley, under the baton of Czech conductor Libor Pešek.
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.
