Kazuki conducts Strauss, Wagner & Clyne

We begin with a gentle, intimate work for chamber orchestra, originally composed by Wagner as a private gift. You will hear how its quiet melodies reflect a sense of personal calm before the scale of the evening expands significantly. The centrepiece is the first performance of a new viola concerto by Anna Clyne, a work specifically commissioned for this ensemble. As you listen, notice how the viola interacts with the surrounding orchestral textures to create modern sonic shapes. The second half of the concert is dedicated to a vast tone poem by Richard Strauss. This work represents a musical portrait of a protagonist’s life, requiring a massive force of over one hundred musicians. Listen for the complex woodwind passages and the sweeping, heroic themes in the brass that characterise this grand biographical narrative. The progression from the small-scale Wagner to the enormous Strauss gives the evening a distinct sense of growth and sonic density.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is the city’s primary resident ensemble, known for its versatility and its central role in the regional cultural scene. Under the direction of conductor Kazuki Yamada, the group maintains a reputation for clarity and energy across a broad range of orchestral periods. Joining them is soloist Lawrence Power, a violist recognised for his technical precision and his advocacy for new compositions. Together, the ensemble and soloist demonstrate their commitment to both the standard European repertoire and the creation of new musical voices through commissioned premieres.

This performance takes place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham and lasts approximately two hours, including an interval. With a varied programme ranging from a delicate opening to a large-scale orchestral finale, the evening provides a comprehensive introduction to different symphonic weights and styles, making it suitable if you are attending for the first time. There is no specific dress code for this venue, so you should wear what makes you feel comfortable. The ticket prices reflect the scale of the production, which involves a particularly large number of performers on stage for the final work.