鈥淟ife-assertion鈥� was how B茅la Bart贸k described the dazzling finish of his 'Concerto for Orchestra' 鈥� even though he might already have known that he wouldn鈥檛 live to complete it. Yes: it鈥檚 one of the 20th century鈥檚 most brilliant orchestral showpieces, drenched in the rhythms and colours of Bart贸k鈥檚 native Hungary. It鈥檚 also a stirring testimony to the human spirit, every bit as passionate 鈥� and as moving 鈥� as Brahms鈥檚 mighty First Piano Concerto. This is Brahms without the famous beard, the heartfelt music of a young genius who鈥檇 known personal tragedy and impossible love. And few living pianists can approach the great Elisabeth Leonskaja for power, poetry or simple humanity.
Prelude: 6.45pm in the Recital Room
Thomas Dausgaard, in conversation with Dominic Parker (Director 大象传媒 SSO), looks back at the 大象传媒 SSO鈥檚 2018/19 Season and introduces the final concert (free to ticket-holders, subject to seating availability).
The concert is scheduled to be broadcast live on 大象传媒 Radio 3 - presented by Jamie MacDougall.