Simon Trpčeski plays Shostakovich's Second Piano Concerto

The evening is shaped around the ancient myth of Orpheus, the legendary musician who descended into the underworld. You will hear three distinct musical interpretations of this story, beginning with the classical elegance and emotional clarity of excerpts from Gluck's celebrated opera. This is followed by Stravinsky’s mid-century ballet score, which uses a smaller orchestra to create a more restrained and cool-toned atmosphere. The theme concludes with Missy Mazzoli’s modern contribution, which explores the tension and unraveling of the myth. To close the programme, the mood shifts significantly towards the light-hearted. Shostakovich wrote his Second Piano Concerto as a celebratory gift for his son Maxim, and you can hear this youthful energy throughout. Listen for the tender, slow movement which provides a moment of stillness between the driving and virtuosic outer movements. The inclusion of the chorus adds a further layer of texture to this exploration of vocal and instrumental storytelling across several centuries.

The BBC Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of British musical life, known for its extensive work at its London home and its commitment to both standard repertoire and new commissions. They are joined by the BBC Symphony Chorus for the vocal portions of the programme. Conductor Christian Karlsen leads the ensemble, bringing his expertise in navigating complex scores. The soloist for the Shostakovich concerto is Simon Trpčeski, a pianist widely respected for his technical precision and his ability to communicate the distinct characters of both rhythmic and lyrical passages with great clarity.

This performance takes place at the Barbican in London and has a total duration of approximately 90 minutes. Given the variety of the programme, which moves from short operatic excerpts to a full piano concerto, it is a suitable choice for those who enjoy hearing how different composers approach a single theme. There is no specific dress code for this venue, and audiences typically wear anything from casual to smart-casual attire. The presence of the chorus suggests vocal segments, though the primary focus remains on the orchestral and solo piano elements throughout the evening.