| Alpesh Chauhan | Direction |
| Alban Gerhardt | Violoncelle |
| BBC Philharmonic Orchestra |
Tonight is all about stories of the human spirit. Buddhist writings inspired BBC Philharmonic Orchestra’s Composer in Association, Anna Clyne to write This Moment. This UK premiere is a meditation on the words of Zen Master and peace activist Thích Nhất Hạnh; ‘this moment is full of wonders.’
Dmitri Shostakovich’s late cello concerto looks back on a life lived through oppression. A reflective mood with a double shot of black humour, Shostakovich continually finds light amongst the dark.
The story of a hero rounds off the concert. Thrilling and ardent, Ein Heldenleben or ‘A Hero’s Life’ is the musical autobiography of Richard Strauss. It’s the ride of his life and he’s taking us all with him. ‘A Hero’s Life’ has enough power to heat The Bridgewater Hall on a cold evening.