Sibelius, Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev

Vasily Petrenko returns with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a programme of heavy-hitters. Sibelius’s Finlandia was so stirring a flag waver for Finnish independence that the ruling Russian authorities continually fought to keep it off concert platforms. Tchaikovsky yielded to no-one as a melodist and his 1878 Violin Concerto – the piece that restored his spirits after the breakdown of his ill-starred marriage – has its soloist soaring through some of his most inventive and persuasive music. The brilliant young Korean violinist Bomsori Kim brings her fearlessly expressive playing to the Royal Concert Hall for the first time.

One of the most versatile of Russian composers, Sergei Prokofiev courted notoriety at the start of his career, but a return to his homeland in the 1930s forced him to work uneasily within Stalinist politics. His ballet score to Romeo and Juliet dates from this period and its vivid characterisation, melodic strength and rhythmic élan quickly established it not only as the greatest ballet score of the day but also an all-time classical favourite. Using all the colours of the orchestra, Prokofiev vividly captures the all-consuming passion of the star-crossed lovers and the fierce skirmishes of their warring families.