Afternoon Performance: Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto

The afternoon begins with the vivid rhythms of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio espagnol. You will hear a vibrant exploration of Spanish themes, full of percussive energy and soloistic flourishes that highlight the individual colours of the instruments. This leads into Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, a work defined by its liquid melodies and deep expressive range. We recommend listening for the second movement, where the soloist carries a long, serene theme that remains one of the most recognisable melodies in the classical repertoire. After the interval, the scale shifts significantly for Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. Unlike a traditional concerto featuring one soloist, this work treats the entire ensemble as a collective of virtuosos. You should listen for how the musical material passes between different sections, building from a mysterious opening into a final movement of tremendous rhythmic complexity and force. The shape of the programme moves from folk-inspired warmth to classical elegance, concluding with a large-scale display of orchestral power.

The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is the resident ensemble at Glasgow City Halls, known for a broad recording history and a commitment to serving audiences across Scotland. They are joined by conductor Kalena Bovell, who is recognised for her distinctive leadership and clear musical direction. The soloist for the afternoon is Oleg Shebeta-Dragan, a clarinettist noted for his technical precision and tonal warmth. Together, they bring a programme that spans from the refined structures of the eighteenth century to the complex, large-scale symphonic writing of the twentieth century.

This performance takes place at Glasgow City Halls in the centre of Glasgow. The event has a total running time of approximately 120 minutes, which includes an interval. As an afternoon concert featuring several well-known and high-energy pieces, it is an appropriate choice if you are new to orchestral music or prefer a daylight performance. There is no specific dress code for this venue, and most attendees opt for smart-casual attire. You will find the acoustics in this historic hall particularly well-suited to the intricate textures of the Bartók finale.