Saturday March 17th 2012, 7:30 p.m
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
Conductor: Mark Heron, Piano: Alexandra Dariescu

Debussy: L'Apres-midi d'un faune

Dukas: The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in Bb minor, Op. 23
I. Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso – Allegro con spirito
II. Andantino semplice – Prestissimo
III. Allegro con fuoco

Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances, Op. 45
I. Non allegro
II. Andante con moto (Tempo di valse)
III. Lento assai - Allegro vivace - Lento assai. Come prima - Allegro vivace.

Tchaikovsky's first piano concerto needs no introduction, though the intended dedicatee rejected it as unplayable rubbish, and rather surprisingly the first performance was given in Boston USA.  The Symphonic Dances were written towards the end of Rachmaninov's life, while he was living in the USA, and are often thought his crowning masterpiece.  Though called “dances” they are not a ballet, but a rich and romantic suite for full orchestra.  Classic short works by Debussy and Paul Dukas complete a varied programme.