Beethoven and Mozart with Steven Osborne

Beethoven’s mighty ‘Eroica’ Symphony opens our 30th season in Bedford. 

Revolutionary, legendary, electrifying: these are all words that have been used to describe Beethoven’s Third Symphony. And it’s not difficult to see why. Marking a turning point in Beethoven’s career, and heralding the Romantic period, this is a musical triumph that was voted the greatest symphony of all time in 2016.  

Steven Osborne joins us as soloist in Mozart’s final piano concerto. First performed just months before the composer’s death, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27 appears filled with optimism – sparkling piano melodies complement heroic horns and delicate woodwind. But subtle moments of darkness also weave their way into the piece, creating the irresistible energy that makes this concerto so well-loved across the world. 

Opening the concert is Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, an ode to Scotland and the birthplace of tonight’s conductor and soloist.