BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra II
A pairing of epic works: Unsuk Chin’s Cello Concerto, one of the most important concertos of the 21st century, and Bruckner’s majestic Seventh Symphony.
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Alban Gerhardt cello
Ryan Wigglesworth conductor
Image gallery
A gallery slider
Alban Gerhardt
Credit : © Kaupo Kikkas
Ryan Wigglesworth
Credit : © BBCMain image: Unsuk Chin
One of Bruckner’s most popular symphonies, the Seventh opens with a theme which he apparently heard in a dream – and it proceeds on a grand scale, with seemingly ever-unfolding melody, almost Wagnerian in ambition, and bold sustained climaxes which contrast strikingly with moments of serenity and playfulness. It will make a remarkable impact in the Concert Hall.
Composed especially for Alban Gerhardt and first performed at the 2009 BBC Proms, Unsuk Chin’s Cello Concerto has been described as “the biggest and most ambitious... and arguably the most important concerto for that instrument to appear since Lutosławski's in 1970. The solo writing pushes the cellist – the superb Alban Gerhardt – to the limits of the possible, while constantly reassessing the way it and the orchestra respond to each other.” - The Guardian
Come to a pre-performance talk before the performance to learn more about the creative process.
This performance is being broadcast live by BBC Radio 3 and will be available afterwards on BBC Sounds.
