Leicester: Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with Seong-Jin Cho

The evening opens with Borodin’s In the Steppes of Central Asia, a work defined by its shifting orchestral colours and a steady, rhythmic pulse that evokes a vast landscape. Following this, you will hear Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. While its introductory brass fanfares and heavy piano chords are famous, we suggest listening for the delicate, song-like melodies in the middle movement and the rhythmic drive of the finale. The second half of the performance is dedicated to Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11, subtitled The Year 1905. This is a large-scale, cinematic work that uses the orchestra to build significant tension. Listen for the way the composer uses hushed strings to represent a frozen, expectant atmosphere before moving into more percussive, dramatic sections. The sequence of the programme takes you from descriptive Romanticism to a powerful, symphonic narrative of historical conflict.

The Philharmonia Orchestra is a resident ensemble at London’s Southbank Centre but maintains a significant presence across the UK. They are known for their technical precision and a repertoire that ranges from core classical masterworks to contemporary scores. They are joined by their Principal Conductor, Santtu-Matias Rouvali, who is recognised for his energetic and distinct physical style on the podium. The soloist for the Tchaikovsky concerto is Seong-Jin Cho, a pianist who has gained international prominence for his thoughtful interpretations and clarity of touch. Together, they bring a high level of collaborative detail to these substantial Russian works.

This performance takes place at De Montfort Hall in Leicester. The concert has a total duration of 140 minutes, which includes an interval between the concerto and the symphony. With its combination of a well-known concerto and a narrative-driven symphony, the event is a suitable choice if you are visiting the symphony orchestra for the first time. There is no specific dress code for this venue, though most attendees opt for smart-casual attire. Please note that the symphony in the second half contains very loud percussive passages.