Elgar’s Cello Concerto

The evening begins with Weinberg’s Rhapsody on Moldavian Themes, a work that draws on the rhythmic vitality and melodic shapes of regional folk traditions. This serves as a spirited opening before the mood shifts toward the introspective core of the concert, Elgar’s Cello Concerto. When you listen to this staple of the repertoire, notice how the soloist leads with a sequence of stark, declamatory chords before moving into the long, descending lines that define its character. It is a work of great transparency, where the orchestra often recedes to let the cello speak with a singular voice. Following the interval, the programme concludes with Shostakovich’s Symphony No.10. Composed shortly after the death of Stalin, it is a work of vast architectural scale. We suggest listening for the sharp, aggressive second movement, which contrasts sharply with the recurring musical motif based on the composer’s own initials that appears later in the work to assert an individual identity against the weight of the collective.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is the resident ensemble at Symphony Hall, renowned for its versatility and its history of championing major symphonic cycles. For this performance, they are joined by conductor Joshua Weilerstein, known for his clear, communicative approach to complex twentieth-century scores. The soloist is Alisa Weilerstein, a cellist recognised globally for her technical precision and the intensity of her interpretations. Together, they bring a shared musical understanding to a programme that demands both technical agility in the Weinberg and profound lyrical depth in the Elgar.

This performance takes place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham, a venue celebrated for its exceptional acoustics which are well-suited to the wide dynamic range of Shostakovich. The concert has a total duration of 120 minutes, including an interval, making it a substantial evening of music. It is an excellent choice if you are new to the cello, as the Elgar concerto is one of the most recognisable works for the instrument. There is no specific dress code, and audiences typically wear smart-casual attire.