The Piano Concerto in A minor was Grieg’s only large-scale orchestral work, but is so well known and loved as to need no introduction and remains one of the most popular piano concertos ever written.  We welcome Bath-based pianist Nicola Meecham as our soloist. Norwegian Johan Halvorsen was a violinist, conductor and composer of theatre music.  He was a great friend and admirer of Grieg’s and was married to the older composer’s niece.  His music follows the Romantic tradition of Grieg and his orchestral experience allowed him to develop an innovative instrumental style.  He did not write his three symphonies until [...]

Rimsky-Korsakov’s Russian Easter Festival Overture features tunes based on Russian Orthodox chants, and the mood ranges from solemnity to exuberant celebration.  The Firebird is one of Stravinsky’s early ballets, retelling an ancient Russian folk tale in which we meet a villainous ogre, imprisoned princesses and the magical Firebird.  The gorgeous melodies and colourful orchestration remind us that Stravinsky was one of Rimsky-Korsakov’s pupils.  The Symphonic Dances was Rachmaninov’s final composition, and his continuing obsession with the Dies Irae chant and Russian church music conveys his sense of impending doom.  The brilliant scoring includes a piano, alto saxophone and large percussion section.  A succession of lyrical melodies, a waltz [...]

‘Winter Wonderland’ Bath Symphony Orchestra presents a programme of winter themed music for all the family.  Drawing from fairy tale operas, ballet and film music we will present music portraying, amongst others, a wicked witch with a gingerbread house, a fictitious military officer on a fast winter’s journey with a traditional Russian three-horse sled, and the most evocative musical Christmas character of them all—the Sugar Plum Fairy! Add in musical evocations of winter landscapes and sleigh rides and we promise you a perfect winter afternoon’s musical entertainment.