Prokofiev's Symphony No.5

The evening opens with Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3, a work widely regarded as one of the most physically and technically demanding pieces in the piano repertoire. You will hear the soloist navigate dense textures and rapid melodic shifts, moving from a deceptively simple opening theme into a vast, complex musical architecture. Following the interval, the mood shifts to Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5. Written during the Second World War, this symphony is defined by its scale and rhythmic energy. You should listen for the way Prokofiev balances moments of lyrical optimism with more jagged, assertive brass passages and driving percussion. The two works together offer a study in Russian symphonic writing at its most expansive, providing a journey from the intimate, detailed piano writing of the concerto to the full, muscular sound of a large orchestra in the symphony. The programme is designed to showcase both technical virtuosity and the sheer sonic power of a symphony orchestra at full strength.

The Hallé is based at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and is one of the United Kingdom’s longest-established symphonic ensembles. They are joined for this performance by conductor Nodoka Okisawa. The soloist is Pavel Kolesnikov, a pianist known for his thoughtful and technically precise interpretations of the core Romantic and 20th-century repertoire. Together, they bring a reputation for clear, detailed playing to these two substantial Russian works. The Hallé regularly explores large-scale symphonic cycles, and this collaboration highlights their ongoing commitment to presenting heavyweight orchestral masterpieces to their home audience.

This concert takes place at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. The performance has a total running time of approximately 85 minutes, including an interval. Because the programme consists of two major, accessible works with clear melodies and high energy, it is a suitable choice if you are a first-time visitor to an orchestral concert. There is no specific dress code for this venue, so you may wear what you feel comfortable in. Entry prices start from £18.50, making this a reasonably accessible way to experience a full-scale professional orchestra in a modern concert hall.