Tchaikovsky Five

The evening begins with Lili Boulanger’s brief, vibrant work which captures the energy of a spring morning through light, shifting textures. Following this, the orchestra is joined by Vadym Kholodenko for Szymanowski’s Symphony No. 4, a work that functions as a hybrid between a symphony and a piano concerto. You will hear the piano woven into the orchestral fabric, driving the music towards an exuberant final movement inspired by Polish folk dance. After the interval, the focus shifts to Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. This large-scale work is structured around a recurring theme representing fate, which appears in various guises across all four movements. Listen for the famous, somber horn solo in the second movement, which offers a moment of lyrical stillness before the music transforms into the triumphant, brass-heavy march of the finale. The programme provides a balanced journey from delicate impressionism to high-stakes romanticism, showing how different composers use the full scale of the orchestra to express personal and national identity.

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra is the national symphony orchestra of Scotland, based in Glasgow but performing regularly across the country's major concert halls. They are known for a broad repertoire ranging from core classical works to contemporary commissions. On this occasion, they are led by their music director Thomas Søndergård, a conductor recognised for his detailed approach to large-scale symphonic scores. They are joined by soloist Vadym Kholodenko, a pianist known for his technical precision and his ability to navigate the complex, rhythmic demands of early twentieth-century music.

This performance takes place at the Caird Hall in Dundee. The total running time is approximately 105 minutes, which includes an interval between the Szymanowski and Tchaikovsky works. This length and the inclusion of well-known melodic themes make it a suitable choice if you are relatively new to orchestral concerts. There is no specific dress code for this venue; most attendees opt for smart-casual attire. Please note that while the Szymanowski is titled a symphony, it features a prominent solo piano part throughout the first half.