Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto no.1

Royal Northern Sinfonia is joined on stage by cellist Laura van der Heijden and guest conductor Tess Jackson.

Saint-Saëns’ cello concerto wastes no time getting going. There’s no lengthy introduction; you’re just straight into the musical fireworks. And fireworks they are – the beginning and end of this piece are passionate and stormy, and surround a lighter, more dancelike central section. Poulenc’s Sinfonietta continues the buoyant mood. A really lovable piece, it is full of humour and gorgeous orchestral textures, with an ending to send you home with a smile on your face – never predictable, always keeping you guessing.

This concert includes a free pre-concert talk at 6.30pm in the auditorium.