The Hallé Orchestra, Henning Kraggerud

A programme of works comprising:

Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No 2
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No 6 (Pathétique)

Acclaimed Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud, a big Hallé favourite, plays Shostakovich’s cathartic Second Concerto. A late work of the composer, it’s haunting opening prepares the way for many attractive tunes, more than its fair share of thrilling virtuosity and this enigmatic work ends in riotous high spirits! The music of Vaughan Williams is particularly important to Sir Mark and tonight he conducts the composer’s ethereal Tallis Fantasia, a glorious fusion of folk song and sacred music evoking gothic vaults and the beauty of the English countryside. In his own words, Tchaikovsky put ‘more sincerity’ into his ‘Pathétique’ Symphony than into anything he had composed before. The result is one of the most poignant and moving swansongs in all music.