Leicester: Manfred Honeck and Emanuel Ax

The evening opens with the light-hearted Overture to Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II, a work full of rhythmic wit and the dance-like energy of Vienna. This provides a distinct contrast to the following piece, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25. You may notice this concerto’s grand, symphonic scale, which allows the soloist to engage in a sophisticated dialogue with the orchestra rather than simply dominating it. The second half takes a darker turn with a suite from Richard Strauss’s opera Elektra, arranged by Manfred Honeck and Tomáš Ille. This orchestral distillation retains the intense, psychological drama of the original stage work, moving away from the charm of the earlier pieces toward a much more powerful and heavy sonic landscape. We suggest listening for the sharp, dissonant brass entries and the way the strings carry the weight of the tragic narrative without the need for singers.

The Philharmonia Orchestra is a leading London-based ensemble known for its extensive recording history and international touring schedule. They frequently perform at major UK venues, bringing a refined, versatile sound to both classical and romantic repertoire. Joining them is the American pianist Emanuel Ax, who is celebrated for his thoughtful interpretations and clarity of touch, particularly in the works of Mozart. The performance is led by Manfred Honeck, a conductor respected for his meticulous attention to detail and his creative arrangements of large-scale operatic scores for the concert hall.

This concert takes place at De Montfort Hall in Leicester. With a total running time of 110 minutes, it is a standard-length evening that offers a good variety of styles, making it a suitable choice if you are new to orchestral music. There is no specific dress code for this venue, so you should wear what makes you feel comfortable. The programme is purely instrumental, so you will not need to follow any surtitles or librettos. Ticket prices for this performance start at 15 pounds.