Musical Pictures

Step into spring with two lively pieces, ahead of Mussorgsky’s memorable musical journey through an art gallery.

From the iconic solo trumpet in the opening ‘Promenade’, past the charming ‘Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks’, and on to the devilish Russian legend of Baba Yaga, Pictures at an Exhibition is an exhilarating experience. 10 paintings brought to life through music lead the listener to a grand finale amongst the glittering golden towers of the ‘Great Gate of Kiev’.

Composed as both graduation showpiece and 19th birthday present for the Shostakovich’s son Maxim, the Piano Concerto No. 2 remains one of his best-loved works, featuring high-spirited, playful outer movements framing a slow movement brimming with tenderness.

But first, a rare treat: stormy, majestic and featuring one of Tchaikovsky’s most beautiful love themes, The Tempest brings the story of Shakespeare’s play to life.