Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

On the completion of his mature Second Piano Concerto, Brahms announced his “ever so tiny piano concerto with an ever so tiny and dainty scherzo.” The music told another story however – Brahms had created arguably the most monumental piano concerto of the 19th century. In four movements rather than the usual three, and the final andante almost a concerto in itself, it is a formidable work.

In a melange of foxtrots and waltzes, sometimes flirtatiously raunchy, sometimes delicate and mysterious, Adès elegantly combines his own personal style with characteristic features from cabaret, tango, and popular music. The suite is rich, playful, dramatic, and expressive.

Schumann poetically captured Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony’s relationship to its neighbours when he called it “a slender Grecian maiden between two Nordic giants”. It is certainly lighter in tone, but it is far from lightweight. In terms of economy and tightly coiled energy, it is every bit the equal of its counterparts.

Beethoven Now

Marking the bicentenary of Beethoven’s death in March 1827, this season Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Mark Wigglesworth begin a chronological journey through Beethoven’s symphonies. Eight concerts will span the 2026/27 season and the first half of 2027/28.

In addition to their performances of the symphonies, the BSO will host a series of special events across this and next season engaging with Beethoven beyond the music – through performance, discussion, and debate.

Visit Beethoven Now for full details, ticketing information and how to book for Beethoven Now events.