For our summer family concert we are pleased to present three very accessible masterpieces written for a large symphony orchestra. Walton's Overture was commissioned in 1956 by the Johannesburg Festival Committee to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the city, and includes some African melodies and rhythms. Walton described it as "A non-stop gallop, slightly crazy, hilarious and vulgar". By contrast, Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto is anything but...! It is an ever-popular work that established Rachmaninov as one of the greatest composers for piano and orchestra. The work is full of romantic tunes and with a virtuoso piano part that balances well with the orchestral writing. No wonder the work has been used in film scores such as Brief Encounter and The Seven Year Itch as well as regularly topping the ClassicFM Hall of Fame chart.

Today, Swan Lake is the most often performed ballet in the world and yet when it was first performed in 1877 the reception was very mixed. This Suite is a selection of the highlights of the full score and is full of wonderful melodies and brilliant orchestration, all classic Tchaikovsky trademarks.

Tickets: £15, £5 (student/child), available from the Box Office.
Free entry for children in themed costume when accompanied by a paying adult - please obtain free ticket(s) from the box office