The Hallé

Nicola Benedetti, arguably one of the most sought-after violinists of her generation, joins forces with Sir Mark Elder to explore the Second Violin Concerto of Polish composer, Karol Szymanowski.

Nicola Benedetti, arguably one of the most sought-after violinists of her generation, joins forces with Sir Mark Elder to explore the Second Violin Concerto of Polish composer, Karol Szymanowski. It is infused with Polish folk music from the Tatra mountains, which the composer described as ‘the discovery of one’s own jewels’. Respighi and Szymanowski, both of the same generation, were masters of orchestration and the Italian’s exquisite and colourful evocations of Roman fountains at different times of the day is the perfect companion to the lesser-known concerto. After the interval Sir Mark continues his explorations of Brahms’ symphonies while following in the composer’s footsteps by performing his Second Symphony with a smaller string section, emulating the composer’s quest for transparency of sound.

Performers

Sir Mark Elder (Conductor) and Nicola Benedetti (Violin)

Programme

• RESPIGHI: Fountains of Rome (15)
• SZYMANOWSKI: Violin Concerto No.2 (23)
• BRAHMS: Symphony No.2 (43)