Composed as a “symphonic birthday gift” to his wife Cosima and newborn son, the Siegfried Idyll shows a rarely seen, intimate side of Wagner – a gentle song of contentment and gratitude. Schumann wrote the Second Symphony whilst bouncing between bouts of exuberance and exhaustion. It is a highly integrated work, inspired by the striking opening motto which pervades throughout.

Ticket holders will gain free access to our Pre-Concert Talk featuring Andrew Burn, which will be available to view online from Monday 30 November.