Mendelssohn and Sibelius

Programme

Celebrate the warmth of spring as we close our Leicester season with the beautiful melodies of Mendelssohn’s life-affirming Violin Concerto paired with Sibelius’s best-loved symphony.

Appearing centre-stage is violinist Randall Goosby, whose meteoric career launched as a protege of violin legend Itzhak Perlman. Having taken the world by storm ever since, he makes his Leicester debut with Mendelssohn’s stunning Violin Concerto. Filled with stormy emotion, unforgettable melodies and electrifying virtuosity, Mendelssohn’s masterly work delights wherever it is performed.

Completing the programme is Sibelius’s Second Symphony. While the first notes came to him during a happy period spent in Italy, the piece is filled with the unmistakeable sound of Sibelius’s Finnish homeland. Lush, flowing melodies in the strings balance against soulful solo moments for each instrument of the woodwind section, evoking green forests and icy landscapes. While the second movement sees a cold, austere walking bass line underpin a melancholy mood, the music gradually builds in energy as it launches into a feverishly intense third movement. But finishing the concert – and our entire season in our Leicester residency – a towering brass finale provides a majestic send-off.

The Lord Mayor of Leicester’s concert celebrates the Orchestra’s longstanding residency with the city of Leicester and De Montfort Hall – 25 years and counting. This concert not only marks the end of the 2021/22 season, but also heralds what is to come. Alongside our world-class concert programme, we run many Learning and Engagement projects and activities in and around Leicester – working with local audiences is a vital part of our mission.

The Philharmonia is a charity, proudly supported by Arts Council, our Friends and donors, and concert goers. It is with this support that we can continue our mission of bringing thrilling music experiences to the widest possible audience. With your continued support, we look forward to bringing our celebrated concert programme and award-winning projects to the communities of Leicester over the next 12 months, and in years to come.