Bruch Violin Concerto

The evening opens with the Karelia Suite by Sibelius, a work that captures the spirit of the Finnish landscape through its distinctive brass fanfares and marching rhythms. You will then hear Esther Yoo perform Bruch's First Violin Concerto. This central piece is defined by its lyrical flow and a slow movement that transitions from deep introspection into a bright, technical finale. After the interval, the programme shifts towards Central European influences. We hear the Song and Intermezzo from Kodály’s Háry János Suite, which uses Hungarian folk idioms to tell a whimsical tale. The performance concludes with Bartók’s Dance Suite. Listen for how Bartók weaves together different folk traditions into a single, cohesive work, moving away from simple melodies toward complex, jagged rhythms and sophisticated orchestral textures. Throughout the night, the focus remains on the intersection of national identity and romantic orchestral writing, moving from the pastoral north to the high energy of Hungarian dance.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returns to its regular regional home, bringing a full symphonic sound to this programme. They are joined by conductor Emilia Hoving, who is increasingly recognised for her clear interpretations of the Nordic and Central European repertoire featured tonight. The soloist is Esther Yoo, a violinist known for her technical precision and a particularly warm, singing tone that suits the romanticism of the Bruch concerto. Together, these performers represent a blend of established British orchestral tradition and a new generation of international leadership and solo artistry.

This performance at The Hexagon in Reading is scheduled to last approximately 120 minutes, including an interval. The venue offers an intimate viewing experience for an orchestral concert of this scale. While the programme includes complex modern rhythms by Bartók, the presence of the melodic Bruch concerto makes this a suitable choice if you are new to classical music. There is no specific dress code for this event, so you should wear what makes you feel comfortable. Please note that although the category is listed as dance, this is a concert performance of orchestral suites based on dance forms.