Sunlight Of Spring

We are guided through a programme that balances twentieth-century gravity with luminous orchestral textures. The evening begins with Elsa Barraine’s Symphony No. 2, a work composed against the backdrop of war that offers a potent emotional opening. You will then hear Joaquín Rodrigo’s famous guitar concerto, where the soloist interacts with the orchestra in a series of evocative, melodic dialogues. Listen for the famous Adagio, which prioritises a sense of quiet introspection. Following the interval, the music moves into contemporary territory with Camille Pépin’s Un monde nouveau, a piece that explores modern orchestral colours. The concert concludes with Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 3. This work represents a shift for the composer away from expansive Romantic gestures towards something more concentrated and rhythmic. You might notice the final movement’s gradual buildup, where separate musical ideas eventually knit together into a single, cohesive pulse to bring the two-hour performance to a clear and bright resolution.

The Ulster Orchestra serves as Northern Ireland’s premier professional symphonic ensemble, based at the historic Ulster Hall. They are joined by conductor Ben Glassberg, who is recognised for his detailed leadership across both operatic and symphonic stages. The soloist for the evening is guitarist Plínio Fernandes, a musician known for his lyrical approach and technical precision. Together, they present a repertoire that spans traditional symphonic structures and more recent compositions, reflecting the ensemble's commitment to delivering a broad range of orchestral music to their Belfast audience.

The concert takes place at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, a venue known for its excellent acoustics for orchestral music. With a duration of approximately 120 minutes, including an interval, this is a standard-length evening that allows for a comprehensive listening experience. There is no specific dress code for this event; attendees usually wear anything from smart-casual to more formal attire. The venue is fully accessible and centrally located. Because the programme features a mix of well-known melodies and shorter modern works, it is well-suited for regular concertgoers and newcomers alike.