Sunwook Kim piano/director* Stephanie Gonley violin/director † This exhilarating programme opens with Caroline Shaw’s Punctum, a piece of luminous clarity and subtle beauty that sets the stage for two of Beethoven’s most celebrated piano concertos. The poetic intimacy of the Fourth and the heroic grandeur of the Fifth – the mighty ‘Emperor’ – reveal Beethoven at the height of his creative powers, redefining what a concerto could be. At the keyboard is Sunwook Kim, whose commanding technique and profound musical insight have earned acclaim worldwide. Directing from the piano, he brings a rare combination of elegance and authority, illuminating the lyricism of the Fourth and the majesty of the Fifth with fresh vitality. SCO Leader Stephanie Gonley directs Shaw’s evocative opener, adding a distinctive touch to this compelling journey through sound.

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