Concert

This all-Russian concert is not to be missed. The opening number, Aleksandr Glazunov’s ‘Carnaval Overture’, does exactly what it says on the tin. Evoking a carnival atmosphere immediately, it’s a bundle of energy and delight filled with catchy tunes, infectious rhythms and sparkling orchestration not to mention a few surprises here and there. Patrick Bevan is the soloist in Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2. An undergraduate at Queens’ College, University of Cambridge, Patrick enjoys the rare distinction of having been leader of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. The concerto is one of Prokofiev’s most melodic and lyrical compositions, especially aimed at pleasing Soviet audiences, which it did immediately. It enjoys a worldwide following and, like the Glazunov overture, contains surprises. Of the 15 symphonies by Dmitry Shostakovich, No. 12 was one of the most popular in Soviet Russia because it purported to be a ‘portrait’ of Vladimir Lenin, highlighting key moments in the dictator’s life alongside some geographical associations. It includes a number of folk melodies and references to earlier works to punctuate the journey upon which the listener is being taken. That background can be ignored because the symphony is thoroughly enjoyable on the strength of its musical merit alone.

Ticket Information

Admission: £18, £16 (concessions), £8 (students), £5 (under 14)