Elgar’s Cello Concerto in Perth

The evening opens with Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor, a work defined by its direct emotional appeal and elegiac tone. You will hear the soloist introduce the piece with a sequence of stark, declamatory chords before moving into the rolling, cyclical themes that give the concerto its sense of introspective searching. The music shifts between moments of quiet solitude and bursts of rhythmic energy, particularly in the fleeting second movement. Following the interval, the scale of the music expands significantly for Bruckner’s Symphony No 3 in D minor. This is a work of grand architecture, characterised by the composer’s signature use of brass chorales, sudden silences, and building blocks of sound that stack upon one another to create a vast sonic landscape. Listen for the way Bruckner uses simple rhythmic motifs to anchor his expansive melodies, providing a sense of momentum that carries the orchestra through to the work’s triumphant conclusion. The transition from Elgar’s personal, slender textures to Bruckner’s cathedral-like symphonic structure offers a striking study in orchestral contrast.

Michael Sanderling leads the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble widely recognised for its commitment to both standard repertoire and innovative new works from its base in Glasgow. Joining them is soloist Raphaela Gromes, a cellist known for her technical precision and thoughtful interpretations of Romantic scores. The orchestra maintains a regular presence in concert halls across Scotland, building a reputation for clarity and power in large-scale symphonic performances. Together, they bring a disciplined approach to these two pillars of the nineteenth and early twentieth-century repertoire, balancing the delicate solo requirements of the concerto with the collective weight of the symphony.

This performance takes place at Perth Concert Hall in Glasgow and has a total running time of approximately 120 minutes, including an interval. The programme is well-suited if you enjoy substantial, full-length orchestral evenings, though the intense focus of the first half also makes it a rewarding choice for those new to the cello concerto format. There is no specific dress code for this event, so we suggest dressing in a way that makes you feel comfortable for a two-hour sitting. Please ensure you are in your seat before the music begins to avoid disruption during the quiet opening bars.