Verdi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  I Vespri Siciliani     

Sibelius. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Violin Concerto    

Brahms.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Symphony No.1

Carlo Rizzi.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conductor

Henning Kraggerud. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Violin

Verdi’s Sicilian Vespers was conceived as a grand opera for the Paris stage. Although the opera probably fell short of his goals, due to an inadequate storyline and libretto, the music is sublime. From its darkly haunting opening to its whirlwind conclusion, this compact overture captures the imagination. Sibelius dearly wanted to be a great violin virtuoso, and his concerto more than proves his love for the instrument. He opposes rather than meshes solo and orchestra, casting the latter as accompanist and leaving the soloist to explore a succession of wonderful melodies until reaching a giddying climax of syncopated brilliance.

It took Brahms over twenty years to finally publish his First Symphony, since the death of Schumann deeply affected him and knocked his confidence. It is the most overtly dramatic of his symphonies, and not entirely free of self-consciousness in its large and emphatic gestures. The turbulent mood is established at the outset, and there is little respite from the nervous drive.

Tickets: £29, £26, £21.50, £17.50, £14, £9, discounts available.