Schumann's Piano Concerto

The evening opens with Dorothy Howell’s Lamia, a piece that showcases a wide range of orchestral textures inspired by romantic poetry. You will hear the ensemble move from delicate, shimmering passages into moments of high drama. This is followed by Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto, where the solo piano and the orchestra operate as equal partners. We recommend listening for the way the initial falling motif in the piano returns throughout the first movement, and how the mood shifts from turbulent energy to lyrical tenderness. After the interval, the scale of the performance expands for Elgar’s Symphony No. 1. This work is built around a noble, recurring theme that appears in various guises across four movements. It is an expansive journey that begins with a steady, walking pace and concludes with a rhythmic, soaring finale. You can expect to hear the full power of the brass and strings as the symphony reaches its triumphant resolution, providing a grand contrast to the more intimate moments heard earlier in the programme.

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra is the national symphony ensemble of Scotland, based in Glasgow but regularly performing across the country. Under the direction of their music director, Thomas Søndergård, they are known for their cohesive sound and deep commitment to a broad symphonic repertoire. Joining them is pianist Anna Vinnitskaya, a soloist recognised for her technical precision and her expressive interpretations of romantic concertos. Together, these performers bring a wealth of experience to this selection of British and German works, balancing the technical demands of the piano with the rich, textured sound of a large-scale orchestra.

This performance takes place at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh, a venue renowned for its clear acoustics which suit large orchestral works like the Elgar symphony. The concert has a total running time of approximately 120 minutes, including one interval. This duration and the variety of the music make it a suitable choice if you are new to orchestral concerts or if you enjoy a substantial, two-part programme. As is standard for evening symphony performances at this venue, there is no specific dress code, and most audience members opt for smart-casual attire.