Beethoven's Piano Concerto No.3

We are set to experience a sequence that moves from the vivid sensory detail of Italian architecture to the sparse landscapes of the North. The evening opens with Respighi's Fountains of Rome, where the orchestra works to evoke the specific light and atmosphere of four distinct locations across the city. You will hear a wide range of orchestral colours, from pastoral quietude to the bright fanfares of midday. Following this, Lukas Sternath leads from the keyboard for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.3. This work represents a shift towards a more dramatic, symphonic style for the composer; listen for the interplay between the robust, darker themes of the opening and the serene, expansive quality of the central movement. The performance concludes with Sibelius’s Symphony No.6. Rather than the grand romantic gestures found elsewhere in the repertoire, this symphony offers a sense of crystalline clarity and quiet polyphony. The textures are often described as having the purity of spring water, focusing on delicate string writing and modal harmonies rather than high-volume climaxes.

The Hallé is the resident orchestra at The Bridgewater Hall and is one of the United Kingdom's most established symphonic ensembles, known for a broad repertoire ranging from the core Romantic tradition to contemporary commissions. On this occasion, they are joined by Lukas Sternath, who takes on the dual role of conductor and soloist. Sternath is a pianist gaining significant attention on the international stage for his technical precision and musical depth. While the Hallé often performs under its own principal conductors, this collaboration allows for the particular intimacy and shared pulse required when a soloist directs from the piano.

This concert takes place at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, a venue specifically designed for symphonic acoustics. The total duration is approximately 77 minutes, making it a concise evening of music that may appeal if you prefer a shorter programme or are visiting the concert hall for the first time. The date is Sunday 18 April 2027. Standard concert dress is generally informal, and the venue offers clear sightlines across most tiers. Tickets start from a price of 18.50. Please note there are no vocal elements or surtitles as this is a purely orchestral performance.