Bruckner’s 7th Symphony
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
- Great for groups
- First-timer friendly
- Early finish
- Date
- Tue, 3 Nov 2026
- Time
- 19:00 · 2h 0m
- Venue
- Symphony Hall, Birmingham
- City
- Birmingham
- Conductor
- Ilan Volkov
- Tickets
- from £27.5
You'll be taken to the ensemble's official site.
Summary
Ilan Volkov conducts the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall, where violinist Ilya Gringolts joins for Prokofiev’s First Concerto before a performance of Bruckner’s Seventh Symphony.
Why it's fantastic
Witness the shimmering opening theme Bruckner reportedly heard in a dream, played in a hall renowned for making these vast orchestral textures glow. Before the interval, Ilya Gringolts tackles Prokofiev’s first concerto, a work that balances sharp, modern energy with the kind of silver-toned lyricism that stays with you long after.
Our guide to this performance
What you'll hear
The evening opens with Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No.1, a work that shifts between ethereal, high-register melodies and bursts of rhythmic intensity. You will hear the soloist navigate rapid technical passages that contrast with moments of sudden, fragile beauty. Following the interval, the orchestra performs Bruckner’s Seventh Symphony. This substantial piece is famous for its expansive, arching themes, particularly the opening melody which rises from a hushed tremolo in the strings. Listen for the rich, sonorous contributions of the brass section in the second movement, written as a solemn tribute to Richard Wagner. The symphony is structured on a grand scale, moving from a sense of spiritual mystery to a bright, triumphant conclusion. The programme is shaped to move from the sharp, modern clarity of the early twentieth century to the vast, resonant sonic landscapes of the late Romantic era, allowing you to experience the full range of the orchestra’s tonal colours.
Who's performing
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is the city's flagship ensemble, resident at Symphony Hall and celebrated for its versatility across the symphonic repertoire. Conducted here by Ilan Volkov, who is known for his clear-eyed interpretations of both contemporary and traditional works, the orchestra is joined by violinist Ilya Gringolts. Gringolts is a soloist recognised for his technical precision and his ability to bring out the distinct character of complex modern concertos. Together, they represent a partnership focused on clarity and expressive depth within the large-scale orchestral tradition.
Planning your evening
This performance takes place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham and has a total running time of approximately 120 minutes, including an interval. Because of the length and complexity of the Bruckner symphony, this event is well-suited to listeners who enjoy immersive, large-scale orchestral works. There is no specific dress code for this venue, though many patrons choose smart-casual attire. You should arrive in time to be seated before the first work begins, as the Prokofiev concerto requires a quiet environment to appreciate its delicate opening.
Written by the Bravura editorial team from the ensemble's published programme and venue information. We don't reproduce copy from box-office sites. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Programme
- 01Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No.1
- 02Bruckner: Symphony No.7
Soloists
- Ilya Gringolts violin
