Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances

We begin this evening with Tchaikovsky’s Fantasy Overture to Romeo and Juliet, a piece that balances aggressive orchestral clashes representing the warring families against a well-known, soaring melody for the lovers. You will hear how the composer uses the harp and woodwinds to soften the texture during the work’s more tender moments. Following this, the programme shifts towards the keyboard for Saint-Saëns’s Piano Concerto No.2. This work is notable for its unusual structure, starting with a serious opening that feels like a Bach fantasy before evolving into a light, almost skittish second movement and a whirlwind finale. Finally, the orchestra performs Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances. As the composer’s final major work, it serves as a retrospective of his style. Listen for the energetic, percussive rhythms in the first dance and the ghostly, swaying waltz in the second. The performance concludes with a final movement that quotes ecclesiastical chants, bringing the evening to a powerful and rhythmic close.

Vasily Petrenko leads the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, an ensemble rooted in London’s musical life at their home base on the South Bank. The orchestra is recognised for its versatile approach to the core symphonic repertoire and its history of international touring. They are joined by soloist Bertrand Chamayou, a pianist frequently celebrated for his interpretations of French piano literature. Petrenko, serving as Music Director, is particularly known for his affinity with the late-Romantic and early-twentieth-century Russian works that anchor this programme. Together, they bring a focused perspective to these large-scale orchestral scores.

The performance takes place at the Royal Festival Hall in London, a venue situated within the Southbank Centre. The evening has a total running time of 135 minutes, which includes an interval, making it a substantial symphonic event. For those who are new to orchestral music, the variety between the dramatic Russian overture and the nimble piano concerto provides a good introduction to the different sounds a full orchestra can produce. As is standard for Southbank Centre concerts, there is no formal dress code, and most attendees opt for smart-casual attire.