ULSTER ORCHESTRA 2017/8 SEASON: ELGAR’S VIOLIN CONCERTO

ibelius Pohjola’s Daughter

David Matthews Symphony No.8

Elgar Violin Concerto


Jac van Steen CONDUCTOR

Tasmin Little VIOLIN

The violin was Elgar’s own instrument and his Violin Concerto is almost like a personal confession, expansive and compelling. The solo part combines the singing quality of Beethoven with the symphonic drama of Brahms, full of bravura technique and brilliance. To perform this monumental work, an English violinist who has made the Elgar Violin Concerto her signature, Tasmin Little.

“Little is tender, velvet, winsome, always beguiling, never de trop, with complete mastery of the pianissimo caress - a gift essential for the slow movement's intimacies and the finale’s stupendous accompanied cadenza....Little couldn't be cold if she tried, she knows just how to make her violin sing.” (The Times)

To accompany this, one of the finest British symphonies of the last 25 years; David Matthews’s Symphony No.8. Matthews’s work is rooted in the traditions of Haydn and Beethoven, bringing those traditions up to date and renewing them. Symphony No.8 has a tang of sea, inspired by vapour trails in the sky over Deal in Kent and the entire symphony, with its striding rhythms, lush lyricism and its effortless yet highly accomplished invention, will be a new pleasure to enjoy.

Free pre-concert talk at 7pm with Principal Guest Conductor Jac van Steen and composer David Matthews. All welcome.

In partnership with Resonate, a PRS Foundation initiative in partnership with Association of British Orchestras, BBC Radio 3 and Boltini Trust.