Afternoon Performance: Brahms’s Piano Concerto No.1

We are presented with a programme that explores both the compact wit of the nineteenth century and the monumental scale of the romantic concerto. The afternoon begins with a new work by Laila Arafah, providing a contemporary perspective before we turn to Beethoven’s Symphony No 8. In this symphony, you will hear a composer working with remarkable economy and humour, favouring brisk rhythms and sudden shifts in volume over the heavier drama of his other mid-period works. Following the interval, the scale shifts significantly for Brahms’s Piano Concerto No 1. This is a massive, symphonic work for soloist and orchestra. You should listen for the stormy opening movement with its distinctive trills, which gives way to an Adagio of great stillness and prayer-like quality. The evening concludes with a demanding Rondo that requires immense stamina and technical precision from the pianist, bringing the two-hour performance to a robust and energetic close.

The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is joined by their Chief Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth for this concert. Based in Glasgow, the ensemble is known for its commitment to contemporary music alongside the standard orchestral canon. They are accompanied by pianist Denis Kozhukhin, a performer recognised for his technical command and his interpretations of the core concerto repertoire. Wigglesworth brings his dual experience as a composer and conductor to the podium, often resulting in a clear-eyed approach to complex scores. Together, these performers represent the heart of Scotland's professional orchestral life, frequently appearing in major broadcasting and recording projects.

This performance takes place at Glasgow City Halls and has a total running time of approximately 120 minutes. It is an ideal choice if you prefer a matinee schedule to an evening outing. As an orchestral concert featuring both a well-known symphony and a major concerto, it serves as a reliable introduction for those new to classical music while offering enough depth for seasoned listeners. There is no specific dress code for this afternoon event; most attendees typically opt for smart-casual attire. You should plan for a standard interval between the Beethoven and Brahms works.