Alena Baeva plays Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto

Alena Baeva plays Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, and Nil Venditti brings a very personal perspective to Falla’s fiesta of a ballet. In a fairy-tale Andalusia, a young miller and his wife outwit a clumsy old suitor, in music that glows with Spanish sunlight. Gabriela Ortiz imagines another love story – the marriage of Clara and Robert Schumann – and retells a romance that was forged through music. And Tchaikovsky casts off his gloom to sing and dance, in a violin concerto that simply brims with his glorious brand of melody. It’s a perfect showcase for the artistry of the “utterly captivating” (The Strad) violinist Alena Baeva; just as the incomparable voice of mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb will bring a special dimension to Falla’s folk-inspired ballet. Guest conductor Nil Venditti brings all her energy and insight to a concert in which wonderful tunes hide still more marvellous depths. Programme Manuel De Falla Three-Cornered Hat Gabriela Ortiz Clara Pyotr Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Performers Nil Venditti conductor Rihab Chaieb mezzo-soprano Alena Baeva violin BBC Symphony Orchestra