Tabita Berglund conducts Brahms’s First Piano Concerto

The evening begins with Johannes Brahms’s Piano Concerto No 1 in D minor, a work of symphonic breadth and intense emotional weight. You will hear a tempestuous orchestral introduction that sets a serious tone before the piano enters with formidable energy. The concerto balances these dramatic outbursts with moments of profound, prayer-like stillness, testing both the technical stamina and the poetic sensitivity of the soloist. Following the interval, the atmosphere shifts towards the vivid, narrative world of Edvard Grieg. We will hear selections from his music for Peer Gynt, which was originally composed to accompany a play. These pieces are celebrated for their ability to evoke specific landscapes and moods, from the clear light of a Scandinavian morning to the claustrophobic, rhythmic drive of a subterranean cavern. Listen for the way Grieg uses woodwind colours and building percussion to bring these folk-inspired stories to life.

The BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus are the centrepiece of British broadcasting, known for their versatility across the standard repertoire and complex choral works. They are joined by conductor Tabita Berglund and pianist Francesco Piemontesi. Berglund is gaining recognition for her clear, expressive direction, while Piemontesi is respected for his refined technique and thoughtful interpretations of the great German and Romantic concertos. Together with the ensemble’s own choir, these performers bring a substantial collective sound to the Barbican stage, appearing here in their regular London home.

This performance takes place at the Barbican in London and has a total duration of approximately 120 minutes, including one interval. Given the two-hour running time and the inclusion of familiar, melodic selections by Grieg in the second half, the evening is well-suited to those who enjoy a full-scale orchestral and choral experience. The venue does not enforce a specific dress code, though most attendees opt for smart-casual attire. You should arrive in time to be seated before the Brahms concerto begins, as late entry may be restricted during the first movement.