SIBELIUS Spring Song
GRIEG Piano Concerto
RACHMANINOV Symphonic Dances
Joshua Weilerstein conductor
Alessandro Taverna piano

Rachmaninov composed the Symphonic Dances shortly after fleeing war-torn Europe for the United States. The work is rhythmically animated and truly symphonic in style, proportions, and sonority, with melodies that could only be his. At once nostalgic and sarcastic, sensual and sinister with touches of the grotesque, strange harmonies create an atmosphere of unease and anxiety before reaching a final demonic "dance of death".

From its explosive, dramatic opening, Grieg's Piano Concerto communicates with fiery passion, sustaining interest and excitement throughout. The music is imbued with a Nordic quality echoing traditional Norwegian dances and instruments. As if depicting the joyous transition from winter to spring, Sibelius' tone poem is a hymn to nature. Building from a quiet, pastoral beginning to a fervent conclusion it hints of the wintry melancholy that can linger late into the sub-arctic spring.

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Tickets: A £38 B £32 C £24 D £20 E £14

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BSO Kids for a Quid: Under 18s: £1 per ticket (some exclusions apply).

BSO Vibes: £5 per ticket (for 18-25s signed up to the scheme)

Full-time Students, Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support Benefit, Wheelchair users and up to 1 companion: 50% discount

Box office: 01392 493493
www.exeternorthcott.co.uk