This is concert for all lovers of classical music. The programme begins with the overture to Schumann's only opera 'Genoveva'. The work was not a success when it was first performed in 1850 but the music in the overture is immediately appealing. This is not a well-known piece but you are bound to enjoy it. Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini was written for solo piano and orchestra. He uses the well-known and virtuosic caprice for solo violin by Paganini and turns it into a set of 24 variations where the solo pianist provides all the technique and excitement associated with Rachmaninov's concertos. The music reflects all the legendary skill of Paganini's violin playing.
The unconventional beginning of the work was likely inspired by the finale of Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, 'Eroica', a theme and variations that begins in much the same way. Our solo pianist is Phoebe Papandrea. Born in London in 2007 into a musical family she began taking piano lessons at the age of three and was awarded a scholarship to the Purcell School of Music at the age of 10. Aged twelve Phoebe made her Carnegie Hall debut after winning First Prize and the Exceptional Young Musician Prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards, New York. Since then she has won many prizes and performed internationally. Phoebe also enjoys performing in hospitals, schools and care homes.
The concert concludes with Brahms Symphony No 1. This is one of the great pieces of the 19th century. It provides an intense and very satisfying musical experience, not just for audiences but also for the players. It draws you in completely and the big tune in the last movement will stay with you for some time. Brahms started work on it in 1855 and it was not until 1876 that it received its first performance, such was the effort he put into making it the best music he could produce. He was ever mindful of comparison to Beethoven's immense reputation. Anyone hearing it, particularly for the first time, will generally agree that the comparison stands up pretty well.
URL: Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3003240-0?pid=10070 Category: Live Music | Classical Date and Time: Saturday May 10, 2025 at 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm Venue details: St. Luke's Church, Watford, Langley Way, Watford, England, WD17 3EG, United Kingdom
General Admission: GBP 18.00
Address
Watford Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert
Langley Way
WD17 3EG
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