Instrument: Cello

Conducted by Semyon Bychkov, the Czech Philharmonic shows its versatility with a sharp, smart evening of modern music.

In Berlin, Kirill Petrenko conducts Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven with the Berliner Philharmoniker and Gautier Capuçon: an ideal line-up. 

The contrasting delights of Schumann, Brahms and Dvořák are powerfully evoked in performances of charm, eloquence and high drama from the Philharmonia, continuing the orchestra’s 80th anniversary celebrations. 

Sakari Oramo and Annsi Karttunen bring Northern lights and folklore to the Philharmonie, closing on a touch of Czech optimism with Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony.

Semyon Bychkov conducts the Czech Phil on their latest European tour with the music of Elgar and Stravinsky. 

Crisp and elegant cello and piano playing is more successful in French and early repertoire than in Brahms.

Warm Vaughan Williams and energetic Richter and Vivaldi from MacGregor and the BPO strings, with an astonishing performance of Tavener’s The Protecting Veil from Guy Johnston the highlight.