The first of four all-Beethoven concerts with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra marking 200 years since the composer’s death.

Following the drama of Overture Leonore No. 3, the centrepiece is the majestic Fifth Piano Concerto, featuring celebrated pianist Elizabeth Sombart. From opening improvisatory flourish through introspective slow movement to rumbustious finale, this glorious concerto is justly nicknamed ‘Emperor’, and justifiably one of the most beloved examples of the genre. The Adagio stands in breathtaking contrast to the outer movements: the extraordinary delicacy of the orchestral scoring supports crystalline purity in the piano solo to touching, almost spiritual, effect.

The joyous Eighth Symphony completes the programme conducted by Michalis Economou. A vein of humour permeates this charming and good-natured symphony – gentle mockery of the recently-invented metronome leads on to a witty Scherzo and a highly entertaining finale.