Tchaikovsky Five

We begin with Lili Boulanger’s short orchestral study, a piece defined by its bright, impressionistic textures and rhythmic vitality. It serves as a brief, energetic prelude before the mood shifts toward the complex landscape of Szymanowski’s Symphony No. 4. Though titled a symphony, you will hear it function much like a piano concerto, where the soloist and orchestra engage in a dense, folk-influenced dialogue that balances percussive strength with lyrical episodes. The second half of the evening is dedicated to Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. Listen for the recurring theme that appears in every movement; it starts as a sombre, low-register motif in the clarinets, representing a struggle with fate. As the work progresses, this theme undergoes a series of transformations, moving through a delicate waltz and a famous horn solo in the second movement, before culminating in a brass-heavy finale. The progression from the dark opening to the resolute final chords provides a clear emotional arc through the entire performance.

Thomas Søndergård leads the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, an ensemble with a long-standing reputation for delivering large-scale symphonic works across Scotland's major concert halls. The orchestra is particularly known for its cohesion and power in the Romantic repertoire. They are joined by soloist Vadym Kholodenko, a pianist recognised for his technical precision and ability to navigate rhythmically challenging modern works. The collaboration brings together an established national institution with a soloist capable of handling the intricate, virtuosic demands of the Szymanowski score.

This orchestral concert takes place at the Caird Hall in Dundee. The total running time is approximately one hour and 45 minutes, which includes a twenty-minute interval between the Szymanowski and Tchaikovsky pieces. This duration and the clear structure of the programme make it a suitable choice for those new to classical concerts. There is no specific dress code for this venue, though most attendees opt for smart-casual attire. You can expect a standard concert format with the most substantial work saved for the final forty-five minutes.