| Saturday 04 October 2025 | 19:30 |
| Weill, Kurt (1900-1950) | Symphony no. 2 | |
| Bizet, Georges (1838-1875) | Carmen Suite no. 1 | |
| Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Ilyich (1840-1893) | Symphony no. 1 in G minor "Winter Daydreams", Op.13 |
| Covent Garden Chamber Orchestra | |
| Davide Levi | Conductor |
Weill: Symphonic Fantasy
Weill: Symphonic Fantasy is a compelling orchestral work that showcases Kurt Weill’s unique blend of classical and popular music influences. The piece is characterised by its vivid orchestration, rhythmic vitality, and dramatic contrasts, reflecting Weill’s ability to bridge different musical worlds. Throughout the composition, one can discern elements of jazz, cabaret, and traditional symphonic writing, creating a textured and engaging listening experience. The Symphonic Fantasy is noted for its expressive melodies and inventive harmonic language, making it a significant contribution to 20th-century orchestral repertoire.
Bizet: Carmen Suite No.1
Bizet’s Carmen Suite No.1 is an orchestral work derived from his famous opera Carmen, which tells the passionate and tragic tale of the fiery gypsy Carmen. Composed posthumously by Rodion Shchedrin for strings and percussion, the suite encapsulates the opera’s most memorable melodies, distilled into a concise and evocative orchestral format.
The piece features a series of vivid movements, including the habanera, the intermezzo, and the toreador song, each capturing the drama and spirit of the original score. Shchedrin’s adaptation emphasises rhythmic vitality and colour, making the suite a popular concert work that retains the opera’s emotional intensity while standing independently as a symphonic showpiece.
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.1
Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Op. 13, often referred to as "Winter Daydreams," was composed during 1866–1868. This early symphony reveals the composer's emerging voice, blending romantic lyricism with Russian character. The work is structured in four movements, each conveying distinct moods and narrative elements, from the brooding and melancholic opening Adagio to the spirited and vigorous finale. Notable for its rich orchestration and memorable melodies, Symphony No. 1 captures a sense of youthful introspection and emotional depth, affirming Tchaikovsky’s place in the Romantic symphonic tradition.
