Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in Aberdeen

The evening opens with Arvo Pärt’s Swansong, a work where you will hear the composer’s signature minimalist style through slow, unfolding textures that demand careful listening. This stillness provides a stark contrast to Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major. As you listen to the concerto, notice how the soloist navigates the rapid passages and high-wire acrobatics that once led early critics to deem the work impossible to play. The final portion of the concert introduces the Fourth Symphony by Eduard Tubin, subtitled 'Lyrical'. In this piece, you can expect a rich, melodic orchestral palette that reflects the composer’s Estonian heritage and his skill for expansive storytelling through symphonic form. The journey from Pärt’s quiet contemplation to Tubin’s expressive sweep, via Tchaikovsky’s romantic fire, creates a programme that balances virtuosic display with deep atmospheric exploration. We suggest paying close attention to the way the woodwinds interact with the solo violin during the more tender moments of the concerto.

The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is the resident ensemble for this performance, known for its extensive broadcasting work and its role as a cornerstone of Scotland’s musical life. They are joined by conductor Mihhail Gerts, who brings his experience with Northern European repertoire to the podium. The soloist for the Tchaikovsky concerto is Chloë Hanslip, a violinist recognised for her technical precision and long-standing presence on the international concert stage. Together, they represent a collaboration between a major national broadcasting orchestra and specialists in both the Romantic and Baltic traditions.

This performance takes place at the Music Hall in Aberdeen and has a total duration of 150 minutes, which includes an interval. Given the two-and-a-half-hour running time and the inclusion of a very famous, melodic concerto, this event is well-suited if you are a first-time visitor to orchestral concerts. There is no specific dress code for this venue, so you should feel comfortable in smart-casual attire. The Music Hall is a central landmark in the city, providing a traditional setting for this large-scale symphonic programme.