Prokofiev and Sibelius

The evening

Sibelius’ icy concerto offers a breathtaking window onto snow-swept Finland, while Prokofiev conjures comedy and nightmares in two vivid ballet suites.

Prokofiev’s operas contain some of his most characterful music – this concert begins with the lyrical grandeur and neo-Classical elegance of the Summer Night Suite from Betrothal in a Monastery. And we enter a contrasting world with the Four Portraits and Dénouement from The Gambler, the music’s biting satire and feverish intensity brilliantly capturing the psychology of Dostoevsky’s portrait of addiction.

Sibelius’ Violin Concerto opens with music of frozen bleakness, its lone violin voice soaring over the orchestra’s rugged landscapes. From there, the music offers moments of breathtaking virtuosity and profound, soul-searching drama – and a finale of rustic exuberance.

A regular LSO guest, violinist Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider is a veteran of the Sibelius concerto, while LSO Principal Guest Conductor Gianandrea Noseda brings a mastery of Russian music to Prokofiev’s suites.