Brahms’s Piano Concerto No.1 in Aberdeen

We begin this evening with a modern perspective, hearing a new composition by Laila Arafah. Following this, the mood shifts towards the spirited energy of Beethoven’s Symphony No 8. While Beethoven’s odd-numbered symphonies often lean into high drama, this work in F major is characterised by its rhythmic wit and shorter duration, offering a sense of buoyancy and classical balance. You should listen for the lack of a traditional slow movement; in its place is a playful, metronomic second movement. After the interval, the scale of the music expands significantly for Brahms’s Piano Concerto No 1. This is a work of symphonic proportions where the piano and orchestra act as equal partners. You will hear the opening’s thunderous orchestral introduction, which sets a serious tone before the soloist enters with a sequence of expansive, demanding passages that require both power and lyricism from the pianist.

The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is joined by their Chief Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth for this performance. Based in Glasgow, the ensemble is a cornerstone of the UK’s musical landscape and is recognised for its commitment to both standard repertoire and contemporary premieres. Joining them is the pianist Denis Kozhukhin, who is widely respected for his technical command and the clarity he brings to large-scale Romantic concertos. Together, these performers are experienced in navigating the dense textures and emotional shifts required by Brahms’s orchestral writing, frequently appearing at major venues across Scotland and beyond.

This performance takes place at the Music Hall in Aberdeen and has a total duration of approximately 150 minutes, which includes an interval. Given the two-and-a-half-hour length, it is a substantial evening of music that provides a thorough experience of the symphonic form. There is no specific dress code for this venue; most attendees choose smart-casual attire. The inclusion of a shorter Beethoven symphony alongside the Brahms concerto makes this a suitable choice if you are relatively new to orchestral music and wish to hear contrasting styles in a single sitting.