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Birmingham

CBSO 2025/26: Kazuki & Isata Kanneh-Mason

Wednesday 5 November

Few works in classical music combine personal expression and virtuosic brilliance quite like Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto. Renowned for its breathtaking difficulty and emotional depth, the piece demands both technical mastery and artistic sensitivity.

In the hands of Isata Kanneh-Mason—an artist whose poise and passion continue to captivate audiences—it becomes a rich, immersive experience. The Concerto’s sweeping melodies, shimmering textures and intense drama invite listeners to lose themselves in a sound world that is at once grand and intimate.

Walton’s Symphony No. 1, which forms the second half of the programme, is equally personal in tone. Composed during a turbulent period in the composer’s life, it reads almost like a musical autobiography. From its opening movement, driven by tension and frustration, to the biting sarcasm of the scherzo—widely interpreted as a musical caricature of a broken relationship—the symphony charts an emotional journey that feels deeply human. The final movement breaks through into a triumphant resolution, filled with hope and renewed energy.

Conducted by Kazuki Yamada, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra brings both works to life with power and sensitivity. Yamada’s dynamic interpretations and ability to draw vivid detail from the orchestra promise a performance that balances technical brilliance with emotional resonance.

This evening of music is not only a showcase of masterful performance but also a moving exploration of two composers expressing themselves at their most personal. With support from Dr Charley Johnston in memory of Dolores, it is a concert imbued with both artistry and heartfelt tribute.

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