Tchaikovsky's Symphony No.5

Spend a summer’s evening with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at The De La Warr Pavillion as part of the Bexhill Festival of Music.

Opening the concert is Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, a score inspired by a trip to the Scottish island of Staffa where he visited the Fingal’s Cave with its legend of giants and destroyed castles. This epic piece captures all the mythical and misty atmosphere of that special place and puts it firmly on the classical map. The RPO will then treat you to Haydn’s rarely performed Trumpet Concerto, known for its challenging but significant tribute to the brass instrument written at a time when it was a very little was known instrument. RPO Principal Trumpet Matthew Williams will be put to the test as the piece skips and jumps around, playfully leading the orchestra.

Sit back and let Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5 wash over you for the second half. Gergely Madaras conducts this great symphonic soundscape, which is closely tied to the theme of ‘Fate’. It displays Tchaikovsky’s brilliant orchestration and his ability to weave in the folk songs of his homeland, culminating with the ultimate triumph of hope in the explosive final movement of the symphony.