Shenzhen: Lan Shui and Jean-Efflam Bavouzet

Programme

The Philharmonia begins their tour to China with music by Elgar, Mozart and Mendelssohn.

Lan Shui takes to the helm to conduct Elgar’s Serenade for Strings – the perfect opener for the Philharmonia’s renowned string section. Written in three movements, it conjures up the English countryside with playful rhythmic passages and lyrical melodies that pull at the heartstrings.

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet “inspires, entertains and embodies the playfulness and grace of Mozart’s much-loved works” (Gramophone). Tonight, he offers his interpretation of Mozart’s charming Piano Concerto No. 17.

Closing the programme is Mendelssohn’s sunny Symphony No. 4. Inspired by the composer’s travels in Italy, it was once described by Mendelssohn himself as “the jolliest piece I have ever done.”