ASMF & Augustin Hadelich

The evening begins with Puccini’s I Crisantemi, a brief, mournful work for strings that sets a reflective tone before the mood shifts towards technical brilliance. You will then hear Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 4, presented in an arrangement by Giuseppe Vaccaro. As the soloist also leads the ensemble, listen for the close communication required to navigate the work’s intricate melodies and Italianate flair. The final piece is Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence. Originally composed for a sextet but performed here by a larger string body, this work captures the composer’s affection for Italy. We suggest listening for how the textures thicken and swell across the four movements, blending Russian melodic depth with a Mediterranean sense of light. The programme as a whole offers a journey through contrasting string colours, moving from quiet elegiac moments to highly demanding virtuosity and finally to a robust, symphonic conclusion.

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is one of the world’s premier chamber orchestras, celebrated for its polished sound and extensive recording history. They are particularly well known for their interpretations of the classical and romantic repertoire, performing without a baton to foster a more intimate, collaborative style of music-making. For this concert, they are joined by Augustin Hadelich, who acts as both conductor and soloist. Hadelich is a violinist recognised for his technical precision and thoughtful musicality. Together, they bring these string-focused works to life in the very space where the orchestra was originally founded.

This performance takes place at the Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields in central London, the historic home of the ensemble. With a total running time of 120 minutes, including an interval, it is a standard-length concert that offers a substantial overview of nineteenth-century string music. The setting is a working church with a traditional atmosphere; there is no specific dress code, though most attendees opt for smart-casual attire. Given the melodic nature of the Puccini and Tchaikovsky works, this programme is well-suited if you are new to orchestral concerts or appreciate high-level instrumental skill.