Rachmaninov's Symphony No 3

The BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniele Rustioni performs Bernstein, Rachmaninov's Symphony No.3, and ANTHEM a collaboration with baritone Davóne Tines for USA 250.

Recorded at the Barbican, London on Friday 13th February 2026. Presented by Martin Handley.

Leonard Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from ‘West Side Story’
Various Artists: ANTHEM (collaboratively arranged by Michael Schachter, Caroline Shaw, Davóne Tines and Tyshawn Sorey, including text by Mahogany L. Browne)

20.10 Interval

Sergei Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 3 in A minor

Davóne Tines (bass-baritone)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Daniele Rustioni (conductor)

What is the true voice of America? For Leonard Bernstein, West Side Story was a plea for tolerance in a violent world, expressed through electrifying dance rhythms. For Sergei Rachmaninov, the USA was a land of new possibilities and sorrowful exile – emotions that pulse and soar throughout his glorious, glittering Third Symphony.

But in the USA’s 250th anniversary year, there are still questions to be asked – and in ANTHEM, Barbican artist in residence Davóne Tines collaborates with an array of living American composers (Michael Schachter, Caroline Shaw and Tyshawn Sorey), and poet Mahogony L. Browne, to ask what a nation is, and what it might yet be. Between Bernstein’s and Rachmaninov’s very personal testimonies, it’s a compelling centrepiece to an evening of music that’s never felt more timely.

To listen on most smart speakers just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert"