London Symphony Orchestra/Gianandrea Noseda

Sibelius’ icy Violin Concerto offers a breathtaking window onto snow-swept Finland, while Prokofiev conjures comedy and nightmares in two vivid ballet suites.

Prokofiev’s operas contain some of his most characterful music – this concert begins with the lyrical grandeur and neo-Classical elegance of the Summer Night Suite from Betrothal in a Monastery. And we enter a contrasting world with the Four Portraits and Dénouement from The Gambler, the music’s biting satire and feverish intensity brilliantly capturing the psychology of Dostoevsky’s portrait of addiction.

Sibelius’ Violin Concerto opens with music of frozen bleakness, its lone violin voice soaring over the orchestra’s rugged landscapes. From there, the music offers moments of breathtaking virtuosity and profound, soul-searching drama – and a finale of rustic exuberance.

Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider is a veteran of the Sibelius concerto, while LSO Principal Guest Conductor Gianandrea Noseda brings a mastery of Russian music to Prokofiev’s suites.

The concert will finish at approximately 8.50pm, including a 20-minute interval (timings subject to change).

Programme

Sergei Prokofiev 'Summer Night Suite' from Betrothal in the Monastery
Jean Sibelius Violin Concerto
Sergei Prokofiev 'Four Portraits' and 'Dénouement' from The Gambler

Performers

London Symphony Orchestra
Gianandrea Noseda conductor
Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider violin