Charles Dutoit conducts Grieg and Prokofiev

A chief exponent of Berlioz, Charles Dutoit, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, sets the scene for a concert to remember. Initially receiving ‘exaggerated applause’ for Berlioz’s Benvenuto Cellini Overture, the Opera eventually fell by the wayside leaving the Overture as a stand-alone favourite of the concert hall.

Grieg composed his glorious Piano Concerto – coloured by his interest in Norwegian folk music – in the summer of 1868, and it has since become one of the greatest piano concertos of all time. Similarly, Prokofiev’s popularity grew immensely with his Symphony No.5, as his piece became an instant hit and an iconic symbol of hope.