BBC Symphony Orchestra & Vedernikov: Vasks, Higgins and Shostakovich

Shostakovich’s emotionally-charged epic Fourth Symphony is the centrepiece of a concert that also includes a new concerto for BBCSO Principal Trombonist Helen Vollam.

The BBC Symphony Orchestra principals step into the spotlight this season in a series of solo concerto performances. Launching these is a new Trombone Concerto from young British composer Gavin Higgins, whose bold, punchy textures generate music of thrilling intensity.

Former Bolshoi music director Alexander Vedernikov brings a taste of Russia to the evening in Shostakovich’s sprawling Fourth Symphony, with its spacious orchestral grandeur, while Vasks’s coolly lovely Cantabile For Strings is the contrasting opener.

Programme

Peteris Vasks Cantabile for Strings
Gavin Higgins Book of Miracles (world premiere; BBC commission)
Shostakovich Symphony No 4

Performers

BBC Symphony Orchestra
Alexander Vedernikov conductor
Helen Vollam trombone