Works Performed

Borodin : Polovtsian Dances

Tchaikovsky : Violin Concerto

Liadov : Kikimora

Borodin : Symphony No.2

Performers

Conductor : Danail Rachev

Soloist: Vilde Frang (Violin)

Although he worked on Prince Igor intermittently for nearly twenty years, Borodin never finished the opera, but audiences did get to hear the music of the Polovtsian Dances in concert. Borodin researched the folk music of some of Russia’s nomadic tribes to obtain thematic material which unfold as a succession of well-contrasted and memorable melodies.

Despite some terrible initial hostility and criticism that it was unplayable, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto lost little time in establishing itself as a concert favourite. Today it holds an outstanding place among all violin concertos. One of the more demanding works for the violin virtuoso, it is more remarkable still for its unwavering melodic inspiration and passionate expression of human feeling. Tchaikovsky speaks to us from the heart, using the voice of the solo violin as his medium.

Liadov is possibly best known for not taking on the Diaghilev commission for The Rite of Spring. But he did create some exquisite musical miniatures, and the tone poem Kikimora, composed in 1909 using music he had written in 1879 for an unfinished opera, is a superb example. The brilliantly imaginative orchestrations conjure up the Russian demon/poltergeist of folklore and her unceasing malicious acts.

Series discounts available*

12 concerts 40%,  9-11 concerts 30%, 6-8 concerts 20%, and 3-5 concerts 10%. *Not available for online bookings, please contact our box office to make use of this offer.

MORE INFORMATION

KINDLY NOTE:

• An 8% booking fee applies to all non-cash bookings. More info.
• NO EXTERNALLY BOUGHT DRINKS ARE ALLOWED ONTO THE PREMISES.  Only certain food & snacks will be allowed. 
• Discounted parking tickets are available online or at the box office.  More info.
• Our popular Café Guildhall & fully stocked bars will be open for dinner before shows during interval.