Walton's Cello Concerto

New Zealand-born Gemma New, a first-time Hallé guest, has been making waves in the USA as a rising star. The season’s ‘Stories behind the music’ continue with Icarus, by the Russian/American Lera Auerbach. Enthralled from childhood by Ancient Greek mythology, this work’s character personified for her the tragic tale of Icarus’s ill-fated flight. Walton’s Cello Concerto combines distinguishing aspects of his music – bitter-sweet melancholy and vigorous energy. It’s performed by Laura van der Heijden, who won the 2012 BBC Young Musician of the Year playing this concerto. Copland’s Third Symphony has a euphoric optimism, especially its finale based on his celebrated Fanfare for the Common Man. After the premiere, the conductor Koussevitzky declared, ‘This is the greatest American Symphony. It goes from the heart to the heart’.