Schumann | Robin Holloway | Valentin Silvestrov at The Bridgewater Hall
Will Fulford-Jones
Schumann – Overture, Scherzo and Finale (17’)
Robin Holloway – Trumpet Concerto (world premiere) (25’)
Valentin – Silvestrov Symphony No. 5 (47’)
The centrepiece of this BBC Philharmonic concert is a world premiere from a restlessly creative British composer who celebrated his 75th birthday at the end of last year but is still seeking, and finding, new modes of musical expression. Robin Holloway’s uncategorisable catalogue gets a new addition at this Bridgewater Hall concert with the world premiere of his first ever trumpet concerto, performed by superb Norwegian soloist Håkan Hardenberger under the baton of conductor John Storgårds.
It’s followed by an epic work from one of the most overlooked and underappreciated composers in contemporary music: Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, who himself turned 80 in 2017. Alternately dark and luminous, brooding and transcendent, his Fifth Symphony is among his greatest and richest pieces. The programme is completed by a rare chance to hear Schumann’s Overture, Scherzo and Finale, a little-performed work by one of Robin Holloway’s favourite composers.
Håkan Hardenberger – trumpet
John Storgårds – conductor
