Korngold’s Violin Concerto

The evening begins with the shifting, impressionistic textures of Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, where you will hear the famous opening flute solo that avoids a traditional sense of pulse. This leads into Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D major, a work deeply influenced by the composer’s background in cinema. Listen for how the solo violin carries expansive, soaring themes that were originally written for the silver screen, requiring both technical agility and a singing tone. Following the interval, the scale increases with Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 3 in A minor. This is a piece of grand, late-Romantic architecture, blending the composer’s signature Russian nostalgia with a leaner, more rhythmic modernism. Throughout the symphony, you may notice how Rachmaninov balances moments of quiet, introspective woodwind writing with large-scale surges from the full brass and string sections. The transition from French delicacy to the lush, cinematic energy of the concerto and the emotional weight of the symphony provides a clear journey through different European musical traditions.

The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is the resident ensemble at Glasgow City Halls, known for its extensive broadcasting reach and a wide-ranging repertoire that spans the classical and contemporary canon. They are joined by conductor Delyana Lazarova, who has established a reputation for her clear and communicative style on the podium. The soloist for the Korngold concerto is violinist Liya Petrova. Petrova is recognised for her tonal clarity and expressive depth, qualities that are particularly suited to the lyrical and virtuosic demands of this mid-century concerto.

This orchestral concert takes place at the Glasgow City Halls, a venue situated in the heart of the Merchant City. With a total running time of approximately 150 minutes, including an interval, this is a substantial evening of music suited to those who enjoy large-scale Romantic and early 20th-century works. The duration and the accessible, melodic nature of the programme make it a viable choice for a first-time visitor to the symphony. There is no specific dress code for this performance, and we recommend arriving early to find your seat in the hall.