Surrey Mozart Players at The Menuhin Hall

About

Surrey Mozart Players return to Menuhin Hall with a programme of tributes, homages and celebrations. On hearing of the death of his great friend, mentor and supporter Tchaikovsky; Anton Arensky composed his beautiful and heartfelt Tchaikovsky Variations as part of his second string quartet. Realising that he had created a gem, he rescored the work for string orchestra, a much-treasured addition to the legacy of Tchaikovsky. Shostakovich's Second Piano Concerto was a birthday present - a father's proud and loving gift to his son Maxim on his graduation from the Moscow Conservatoire. Two movements of celebration and high spirits, frame a stunning, achingly beautiful slow movement of Mozartian lyricism. Tchaikovsky's First Orchestral Suite comprises six movements written simply for pleasure. A celebration of the baroque dance suite and a precursor of his great ballet music. But this is also one of his most underrated works. Displaying astounding innovation and imagination - from massive and foreboding portent to child-like miniatures; this work, perhaps above all others, shows us the full range of Tchaikovsky's genius.

Piano soloist, Antonina Suhanova is supported by The Musicians' Company.
Running time: 80 minutes plus interval