Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No2

The evening opens with Dorothy Howell’s Lamia, a twelve-minute tone poem that draws its inspiration from Keats. You will hear lush, late-Romantic orchestration that builds a vivid narrative before the arrival of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2. This work is defined by its brooding opening chords and long, sweeping melodies that have become some of the most recognisable in the classical repertoire. During the middle movement, listen for the delicate interplay between the piano and woodwinds. Following the interval, the scale shifts to Elgar’s Symphony No. 1. This fifty-two-minute masterpiece is structured around a noble, recurring theme that appears in various guises across four movements. It represents a journey from a stately beginning through moments of intense struggle, eventually returning to a sense of grand resolution. The programme is designed to showcase the full emotional and technical breadth of a large symphony orchestra, moving from the intimate storytelling of Howell to the expansive symphonic architecture of Elgar.

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra is the national symphony orchestra of Scotland, based in Glasgow. They are led here by their Music Director, Thomas Søndergård, who is known for his detailed approach to large-scale Romantic and twentieth-century works. Joining them is the pianist Roman Borisov. The ensemble maintains a busy schedule at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and is well-regarded for its recordings and performances of the core symphonic repertoire. You can expect a performance that reflects their long history of collaboration and their expertise in navigating the complex textures of British and Russian orchestral music.

This performance takes place at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The total duration is approximately one hundred and twenty minutes, which includes an interval between the Rachmaninov and the Elgar. Because it features a very famous concerto and a landmark British symphony, it is a suitable choice if you are new to orchestral music or visiting the concert hall for the first time. There is no specific dress code for this event; audience members generally wear smart-casual attire. Please ensure you are seated before the start of Howell’s short opening work.