Please note that Tasmin Little, the originally advertised soloist, has had to withdraw. The BBC Philharmonic is grateful to Jennifer Pike for taking her place.
We first hear an Englishmanâs portrait of the Italian rascal Scapino, in William Waltonâs comedy overture. Bright and concise â this is an ideal concert opener.
Elgarâs In The South â a musical postcard from the Italian Riviera - transports us to warmer climates, before Brittenâs boldly dramatic Four Sea Interludes.
We also hear Ralph Vaughan Williams's much-loved romance for violin and orchestra - The Lark Ascending. Inspired by a poem of the same name, it tells the tale of a skylark singing an impossibly beautiful, almost heavenly, song. Vaughan Williams was working on The Lark Ascending in 1914, just as World War I broke out.
Closing this evening is Elgarâs ever-cherished Enigma Variations - a series of 13 musical sketches where the composer pays homage to his friends and family.
