The Hallé - Tchaikovsky's 'Pathétique'

In 1986 Barry Douglas launched his stellar career by winning the Gold Medal at the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow. Who better to perform Tchaikovsky’s beloved First Concerto than the great Ulsterman himself? Tchaikovsky’s epic symphonic swansong forms the second half of the programme. A piece of great poignancy and mystery, it begins in dark shadows, emerges into brilliant light and then descends back into gloom – a quite remarkable and moving musical journey. Pablo González, making his third visit to the Hallé, opens this enticing all-Russian programme with Rimsky-Korsakov’s resplendent, richly melodic May Night Overture.