Originally a famous studio orchestra and recreated as a labour of love by John Wilson, the Sinfonia of London has taken the orchestral world by storm. With a uniquely vibrant sound, this hand-picked, all-star ensemble has won a host of major awards for its recordings, and this dazzling programme of orchestral showpieces is the perfect showcase for its Usher Hall debut. A force of nature as well as a gifted violinist, Grażyna Bacewicz was the first Polish woman composer to enjoy international acclaim. Her most popular piece, the Concerto for String Orchestra of 1948, is a compelling take on the Baroque concerto grosso, passing solos between individual performers to electrifying effect. No less passionate is Rachmaninov’s famous Second Piano Concerto, performed here by leading British pianist, Benjamin Grosvenor. The concerto was the composer’s comeback piece after his ill-fated First Symphony, but its winning blend of surging melodies and powerful drama made it an instant and enduring hit. Exotic tales are the inspiration for the concert’s finale. In Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, the never-say-die heroine of the Arabian Nights takes centre stage in the musical drama, staying alive by keeping her vengeful husband, the Sultan, interested in suspenseful stories. In this symphonic telling, the solo violin gives voice to Scheherazade, spinning yarns about the great sea captain, Sinbad, with his adventures’ exotic locations coloured by the composer’s most gorgeous melodies and dramatic orchestration.

Description supplied by the event organiser.