Bizet’s opera Carmen is a treasure trove of unforgettable melodies, vibrant rhythms, and gripping drama. Its dazzling instrumental numbers quickly captivated audiences beyond the theatrical stage: the suite brings together six iconic movements, offering a brilliant concert distillation of the opera’s spirit. The Fourth Piano Concerto displays much of the spacious style and the demanding virtuosity of Rachmaninov’s earlier concertos but also incorporates the remnants of late Romanticism with some up-to-date sounds of Ravel and Gershwin. Wit, charm, romance, rhythmic verve and masterly orchestration combine in Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody – an extroverted and immensely technical demonstration of pianistic wizardry. Opening with the main Paganini theme, after moments of romantic outpourings, the music hurtles towards a typical grandiose conclusion, before ending impishly with an echo of the introduction. Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier was an instant success with its Mozart-like farce and flurry of sweet and saucy waltzes set in the golden age of Viennese high society, Overflowing with melodic splendour and harmonic richness, orchestras had long enjoyed playing selections before a more established suite emerged, capturing the most celebrated and voluptuous moments from the original score.

Please note this concert is being livestreamed and some shots will include wide angle views of the audience.

Works and composers

Bizet Carmen Suite No.1
Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.4
Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini
R Strauss Der Rosenkavalier Suite

Supported by

John & Ruth Lang