Fri 19 September 2025 7:30pm

English Symphony Orchestra’s Cheltenham Residency

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Jean Sibelius – Symphony No. 4 in A minor, Op.64. 35’
Sergei Rachmaninoff – Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op.18. 38’

Kenneth Woods conducts these two iconic masterpieces were both written in response to moments of intense personal adversity. The Fourth Symphony reflects Sibelius’s ultimately successful battle against cancer, while the Second Piano Concerto sees Rachmaninov regaining his confidence and inspiration following a period of profound creative crisis, resulting in what is quite possibly the most popular piece in the entire classical repertoire and a constant, beloved audience favourite.

Freddy Kempf

Freddy Kempf came to national prominence in 1992 when he won the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition following a memorable performance of Rachmaninov's Paganini Variations. Today he is one of the most important young classical artists on the world stage. He has since performed at the very highest level, including most recently with the Philadelphia Orchestra, St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, CBSO, San Francisco Symphony, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. 'Kempf shaped lines with delicacy and insight, yet it was the balance with an impetuous Beethovian fire that lifted the performance of the third concerto on to a higher level' (The Guardian) 'The delicacy of his touch was almost excruciating... His right-hand twinkled like a music box... The subtle, refined tenderness of Kempf’s musicianship keeps you leaning in... Kempf has the ability to turn his hand to every mood and style necessary' (Time Out).

See Freddy Kempf tour dates