| Thursday 29 April 2027 | 19:30 |
| Tabakova, Dobrinka (b. 1980) | Swarm Fanfares (London premiere) | |
| Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770-1827) | Violin Concerto in D major, Op.61 | |
| Shostakovich, Dmitri (1906-1975) | Symphony no. 9 in E flat major, Op.70 |
| Delyana Lazarova | Conductor |
| Liya Petrova | Violin |
| Royal Philharmonic Orchestra |
Expect the unexpected. The Soviet authorities wanted Shostakovich’s Ninth Symphony to be a blockbuster epic, but instead they got a sardonic showstopper with a wicked sense of humour – music that entertains even while it subverts. No wonder they banned it! Beethoven’s Violin Concerto begins with a drum solo and a hymn from the woodwinds – it’s only later that it lays bare the poetic, singing soul of the violin. And Dobrinka Tabakova – a British composer with a knack for telling stories – takes her inspiration from bees, in a sparky, Ivor Novello Award-winning celebration of life. Delyana Lazarova conducted the world premiere of Swarm Fanfares, and she’ll make an inspirational partner to RPO Artist-in-Residence Liya Petrova as she soars free in Beethoven’s radiant Violin Concerto.
Tickets on sale Tuesday 28 April
