Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances

Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances

Camille Pépin is making waves. A brilliant new voice in contemporary music, her addictive, luxuriant work sits somewhere between
the seemingly opposite worlds of French impressionism and American minimalism.

Tonight, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra performs her work in Manchester for the very first time. Les Eaux célestes tells the musical story of star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, a sky god’s daughter and a celestial cowherd who are drawn together by fate.

Before the interval, pianist Elisabeth Brauß returns with Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G, a work bursting with jazz energy and Basque-inspired themes, and featuring one of classical music’s most moving slow movements. The concert concludes with Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances, music characterised by soaring melodies, lush harmonies, and deep emotional intensity.

Adam Hickox makes his Bridgewater Hall debut in this sparkling and generous programme of technicolour musical delights.