| Steven Isserlis | Cello |
| Royal Philharmonic Orchestra | |
| Vasily Petrenko | Conductor |
Rossini's Overture from his one-act comic opera La scala di seta provides an assured opening, before Steven Isserlis is warmly welcomed back to perform Haydn's Cello Concerto in C major.
Unearthed in 1961, two centuries after it was written, it swiftly gained popularity for its sense of joy and optimism.
From the cello's triumphant opening chord in the first movement, through to the rapturous third movement, the melody dances between the soloist and orchestra with virtuosic displays of musical agility.
Vaughan Williams' Fifth Symphony rounds off this evening's concert, with its warmth, serenity and pastoral tranquillity that evokes, above all, hope.
Written against the backdrop of 1940's war-torn Europe, this much-loved work reminds us of the power that music has to transform and uplift – a sentiment that is as relevant today as ever.
