Uncoiled energy from Beethoven at his most muscular introduces Bernstein’s golden Serenade, played by the incomparable violinist James Ehnes.
A concerto in all but name, it is best described by its composer: ‘a series of statements in praise of love’.
Prokofiev’s ballet could be said to be a single statement of the same sentiment.
Fleet-footed character pieces, brutal violence, luminous dances of helpless love: it’s a searing retelling of the story of the star-crossed lovers, and a magnificent showpiece for the orchestra to round off the season.