BBC NOW: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5

Ryan Bancroft conductor | Clara-Jumi Kang violin

Programme

Tansy Davies Monolith: I Extend My Arms
Sibelius Violin Concerto | Concerto i’r Ffidil
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 | Symffoni Rhif 5
Principal Conductor Ryan Bancroft takes to the podium for our March tour, kicking off the action with Tansy Davies’ Monolith: I Extend My Arms. A rock-like strata of canons, simultaneously dense and translucent form the inspiration for this percussive, rhythmical and bubbly work.

Opening with the most magical and expressive of themes, Sibelius’ Violin Concerto bristles with tension and brooding harmonies, paired with exquisitely beautiful melodies and a formidable energy. Exhilaratingly masterful in its writing and truly virtuosic for any performer, we’re delighted to welcome the prodigiously talented multi-award winning German-Korean violinist Clara-Jumi Kang to perform this gem of a concerto.

Although Tchaikovsky drew inspiration from his native country’s rich folk music, he rejected nationalistic Russian attitudes and was not always the most popular of characters during his time. His music, however, has definitely stood the test of time and is amongst some of the most sought after music in an audiences calendar today, none more so than his Fifth Symphony. Deeply programmatic, the recurring theme of ‘fate’ is woven throughout this dramatic, luscious and distinctive symphony, masterfully orchestrated by one of the greatest symphonists to have ever lived.