Supported by Bernard Day

Philharmonia Orchestra
Tugan Sokhiev conductor
Jennifer Pike violin

Beethoven ‘Egmont’ Overture
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
Stravinsky Le sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring) 

Continuing our seasonal theme, our orchestra in residence present a programme including Stravinsky's masterful ballet Le sacre du printemps. Commissioned by the great Russian impresario Serge Diaghilev, it was premiered in Paris in 1913, causing a riot among members of the audience. It is a wonderfully rich and complex score, which had a major impact on the development of 20th Century classical music. It is paired here with Beethoven's wonderful ‘Egmont’ Overture, and Mendelssohn's sublime Violin Concerto, played by former BBC Young Musician of the Year Jennifer Pike in her first appearance at a Three Choirs Festival. The Russian conductor Tugan Sokhiev, however, made his debut with the Philharmonia Orchestra at the 2002 Three Choirs Festival, and has worked with the orchestra ever since. It is a pleasure to welcome him back.