Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini | Cambridge University Orchestra and Chamber Choir

Sat 10 February

West Road Concert Hall

Under the baton of Bertie Baigent, and featuring soloist Madeleine Brown on piano, enjoy a stunning evening of mesmerising classical music.

Delve into Brahms’s captivating 'Schicksalslied', a choral masterpiece contrasting divine happiness with human struggles based on Friedrich Hölderlin’s poem. Brahms, who often liked to provide consolatory endings, struggled with the work, ultimately deciding to provide a serene conclusion for orchestra alone. In the version performed in this concert, Brahms brings back the chorus for the final bars, undercutting the negative conclusion of the poem. Join us for what might be the first public performance of this extraordinary version of 'Schicksalslied'!

Rachmaninov’s iconic 'Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini' is a work that epitomizes the romantic era’s brilliance. Rachmaninov’s variation on Paganini’s 'Caprice No. 24' for solo violin showcases his unparalleled creativity and virtuosity. Winner of the 2022–2023 Concerto Competition, Madeleine Brown, takes on the fiendish piano solo.

The program culminates in Tchaikovsky’s 'Symphony No. 5' – a testament to the composer’s resilience and artistry. Written in 1888 after a challenging period following the premiere of his 'Symphony No.4', the reception to 'Symphony No.5' was initially muted, leaving Tchaikovsky disheartened. However, posthumously, this symphony gained immense popularity for its powerful evocation of fate and Tchaikovsky’s masterful orchestration, solidifying its place as one of his most beloved creations.

Bertie Baigent won the prestigious 2022 Rotterdam International Conducting Competition and is a recent alumnus of Jesus College, Cambridge. He conducted the Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra during his time as a student, and this performance marks an exciting first appearance at the helm of the Cambridge University Orchestra.

Witness the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s symphony, a rare Brahms version, and Rachmaninov’s evocative melodies, all brought to life by the Cambridge University Orchestra and Chamber Choir.

www.cmp.cam.ac.uk/rhapsody

Cost: Tickets: £25, £18, £12 | Concessions: £22.50, £16, £10 | Cambridge University Students: £5