Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto

The evening begins with a lyrical Ballade by Coleridge-Taylor, a work that allows the orchestra to explore a rich, melodic soundscape from the outset. You will then hear Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, a cornerstone of the repertoire that begins with a distinctive, urgent theme in the solo violin rather than the traditional orchestral opening. Listen for how the three movements flow into one another without a break, maintaining a singular emotional momentum. The second half of the concert is dedicated to Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2. This work is constructed from small, disparate musical motifs that gradually coalesce. We recommend noticing how the composer builds these fragments into an expansive, sweeping finale. The transition from the third movement directly into the fourth is a particular moment of tension and release, as the music shifts from agitated, scurrying rhythms into a broad, triumphant theme that occupies the full weight of the symphonic ensemble.

Thomas Søndergård leads the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble rooted in the Midlands with an international reputation for symphonic precision. Joining them is violinist Alina Ibragimova, who is widely recognised for her thoughtful and technically commanding interpretations of both classical and contemporary works. The orchestra is celebrated for its versatility across the core Germanic and Nordic repertoire, frequently performing at its home in Symphony Hall. Together, these performers bring a focused approach to a programme that spans nineteenth-century lyricism and early twentieth-century symphonic structure.

The performance takes place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham and has a total running time of approximately 120 minutes, including an interval. This two-hour duration, combined with a programme featuring one of the most famous concertos in the world, makes it a suitable choice if you are visiting the symphony for the first time. The venue is a purpose-built concert hall known for its clear acoustics. There is no specific dress code for this event; audience members generally wear whatever makes them feel comfortable for a formal evening concert.