Sibelius One

The evening begins with a series of atmospheric portraits by Mel Bonis. You will hear her orchestral miniatures that capture distinct feminine archetypes through lush, evocative textures. Following this, the focus shifts to Berlioz and his dramatic scene depicting the final moments of Cleopatra. As a mezzo-soprano takes the lead, listen for how the orchestra reflects the queen’s emotional turmoil and eventual stillness. The second half of the performance is dedicated to the First Symphony by Sibelius. This work marks a significant moment in the composer's development, moving from a vulnerable, solitary clarinet opening into a large-scale romantic landscape. We recommend listening for the way the strings carry the expansive melodies, often interrupted by brass flourishes and rhythmic energy. The structure moves through traditional symphonic movements, yet it carries the distinct, dark-hued orchestral colouring that became a hallmark of the Finnish tradition, providing a powerful and cohesive conclusion to the concert.

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra is the national symphony orchestra of Scotland, renowned for its extensive recording history and regular appearances across the country's major concert halls. For this performance, they are led by conductor Edward Gardner, a figure widely respected for his interpretations of both the symphonic and operatic repertoire. Joining them is mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor, who provides the vocal focus for the Berlioz. This performance also features Paul Whittaker, a British Sign Language performer, ensuring the dramatic narrative of the vocal works is accessible to a wider audience through integrated visual communication.

This orchestral concert takes place at Caird Hall in Dundee. With a total running time of approximately 110 minutes, including an interval, it is a substantial evening of music that remains accessible for those new to the symphony. The inclusion of BSL interpretation makes it a particularly inclusive choice for the local community. There is no specific dress code for this venue, so you should feel comfortable in everyday smart-casual attire. Please note that while Big Noise Govanhill is mentioned in the season touring information, they are appearing at the Glasgow date only and will not be present for this Dundee performance.