Artists
Santtu-Matias Rouvali – conductor
Marcel Johannes Kits – cello
Programme
Glinka Overture, Ruslan and Ludmila
Elgar Cello Concerto
— Interval —
Sibelius Symphony No. 3
The cello’s soulful tone has often been likened to that of the human voice, and nowhere does it speak more eloquently than in Elgar’s Cello Concerto. With our Principal Conductor at the helm, young Estonian cellist, Marcel Johannes Kits, makes his Philharmonia debut with this deeply moving work.
Santtu is at home in the music of his compatriot Sibelius, and tonight he conducts the Third Symphony. It sweeps listeners up in its confident, warm energy right from the start, and packs many pleasures into its half-hour span.
First comes the overture from Glinka’s Ruslan and Ludmila, a poem based on Russian folktales. Filled with intricate rhythms, runs and melodies, it’s an energetic workout for the full orchestra.