We regret to inform you that this performance has been cancelled. We are doing our utmost to support the national effort in reducing the spread of coronavirus and the health and well-being of all our visitors, staff members and visiting performers is our number one priority.

Ticket holders are fully covered for the full value of their tickets and will be contacted shortly. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming you on future occasions.

A note from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra:

“Following the Government’s announcement encouraging social distancing, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) will cease its concert programme until the end of June 2020. Given the health risks presented by the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is acutely aware of the need to protect the health of concert-goers, venue staff and the ensemble itself.

With millions of people self-isolating and working from home, the RPO will soon be introducing a comprehensive ‘RPO At Home’ digital programme that is intended to enrich people’s home routines, to help lift spirits during these unprecedented times.

Please do keep in touch by visiting the Orchestra’s website and social media channels, where you can find videos, blogs and Podcasts.”

Berlioz’ Overture opens the concert with a merry excursion through the composer’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, before Pablo Ferrández performs Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1. The whirring machinery of the first movement unwinds into a more muted and sombre reflection in the second and third movements, before both soloist and the orchestra re-energise themselves with an electrifying vigour in the finale.

An evocative and dynamic series of images forms Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition concludes the evening and the series, a deep retrospective that commemorates the artworks of a lost friend with intensity and sensitivity.