Pictures At An Exhibition

We begin this evening with Ruth Crawford Seeger’s Rissolty, Rossolty, a work that draws on American folk traditions to create a lively and intricate texture. You will then hear two contrasting pieces for violin and orchestra. Chausson’s Poème offers a more meditative, introspective mood, where the soloist weaves a delicate melodic line against a rich orchestral backdrop. This shifts into the high energy of Ravel’s Tzigane, a piece inspired by virtuosic Hungarian styles that demands exceptional technical skill from the violinist. The final work on the programme is Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Originally written for piano and later orchestrated, this suite depicts a walk through a gallery. You should listen for the recurring Promenade theme, which changes in character to reflect the viewer’s mood as they move between different musical paintings. The evening culminates in the massive, brass-led sequence representing the Great Gate of Kiev, which makes full use of the orchestra’s scale.

The BBC Philharmonic is a versatile symphony orchestra based in the North of England, known for its extensive recording history and regular presence at international festivals. As a resident ensemble at MediaCityUK, they perform a vast range of repertoire from established classics to twentieth-century rarities. They are joined by conductor Juan Miguel Sepúlveda and the young Brazilian violinist Guido Sant’Anna. Sant’Anna has gained significant international attention for his technical precision and expressive range, particularly in the demanding works for solo violin and orchestra featured in tonight’s selection.

The performance takes place at the BBC Philharmonic Studio in MediaCityUK, Salford. Unlike larger concert halls, this studio setting offers you a closer proximity to the musicians, allowing you to observe the intricate communication between the conductor and the players. There is no specific dress code for this venue, so you may choose to dress comfortably. The programme features a mix of shorter works and one major symphonic suite, making it a balanced introduction for those new to orchestral music or those looking for a diverse range of styles in a single evening.