The Hallé Orchestra

Programme:
Janácek Taras Bulba
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
Dvorák Symphony No. 8

The prodigiously gifted Euan Shields signs off his tour of duty as the Hallé’s Assistant Conductor with this red-blooded Slavic programme, beginning with Janá?ek’s atmospheric rhapsody for orchestra, Taras Bulba. Inspired by Gogol’s novella, this gritty portrait of the Cossack leader and his ill-fated sons vividly captures their battle-scarred lives and loves. Dutch violinist Simone Lamsma, whose dazzling artistry blew us all away last season, makes a welcome return with Tchaikovsky’s ardent Violin Concerto. It was written amidst the wreckage of his ill-advised marriage but the composer found inspiration in his friendship with violinist Yosif Kotek and completed the score in less than a month. The result was a triumph; unashamedly virtuosic yet fresh and lyrical, with a heartfelt slow movement and a whirling gypsy finale.

We wrap up our season with Dvo?ák’s colourful Eighth Symphony, written at the height of his popularity in 1889. One of his most joyful works, it radiates all the energy and charm of his Bohemian homeland. Sounds of the countryside and village life are vividly evoked, from birdsong to brass bands, and it’s packed with glorious, feelgood tunes, all the way to its roof-raising conclusion.