Sunday Classics: Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra at Usher Hall

Searing passions, heartbreaking romance, all-consuming energy: the mighty Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off the Usher Halls 2019-20 Sunday Classics concerts with an all-Russian programme of exceptional power and tenderness.Known the world over as the soundtrack to classic weepie Brief Encounter, Rachmaninovs luscious Second Piano Concerto is the epitome of musical romance. Acclaimed young Romanian pianist Alexandra Dariescu, renowned for the potency and poetry of her incisive performances, is soloist in this tear-jerking classic. Beforehand, surrender yourself to the greatest love story ever written, as conveyed in Tchaikovskys turbulent tone poem.Last heard at the Usher Hall to enormous acclaim in 2017, the Moscow Philharmonic brings old-school Russian richness and brilliance to all it plays and a noble swagger under charismatic Yuri Simonov, Principal Conductor since 1998.Simonov and his Orchestra bring their concert to a galvanising close with the stormy energy of Shostakovichs Tenth Symphony, supposedly composed to satisfy Soviet strictures, but in reality a savage portrait of Stalin and his terror. From frenzied violence to aching sensitivity, its an unforgettable experience that culminates in a blaze of ecstatic joy.Running orderDoor time: 2:00pmConductor: Yuri SimonovSoloists: Alexandra Dariescu (piano) Programme: Tchaikovsky Romeo & JulietRachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2IntervalShostakovich Symphony No. 10Estimated end time: 5pm