Sibelius One

The evening begins with three orchestral portraits of legendary women by Mel Bonis. You will hear how she uses different orchestral textures to depict these historical and mythical figures, ranging from delicate woodwind passages to more robust thematic developments. This is followed by Hector Berlioz’s dramatic cantata, which captures the final hours of Cleopatra. Here, the music is high-stakes and emotionally charged, requiring the soloist to navigate a complex psychological journey. The second half of the concert is dedicated to Jean Sibelius’s First Symphony. As you listen, notice how the work begins with a solitary, wandering clarinet solo before expanding into a vast symphonic landscape. While the symphony carries the weight and romanticism of the late nineteenth century, it also introduces the distinct, crisp instrumental colours that would become a hallmark of the composer's later style. The progression from the intimate opening to the grand, surging brass in the finale provides a clear structural arc for the performance.

Edward Gardner leads the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, a flagship ensemble known for its extensive recording history and its central role in Scotland's musical life. Mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor joins the orchestra for the vocal works, bringing her experience in dramatic and operatic repertoire to the stage. This performance also features Paul Whittaker as a BSL performer, ensuring the lyrical and narrative elements of the programme are accessible. The ensemble is celebrated for its versatility, frequently performing a broad range of romantic and contemporary works across the country's major concert halls.

This orchestral concert takes place at Caird Hall in Dundee. The performance has a total duration of approximately 110 minutes, including an interval, which makes for a substantial evening of music. It is well-suited to those who enjoy large-scale symphonic works and vocal storytelling. There is no specific dress code for this venue, though many patrons choose smart-casual attire. Please note that while Big Noise Govanhill is mentioned in the tour details, they are appearing at the Glasgow date only and will not be present for this Dundee performance.