Stravinsky | Prokofiev | Strauss

Conductor Robert Weaver leads the Bristol Symphony Orchestra with

Emily Davis, a violinist in demand across the world as soloist, chamber

musician and orchestral leader, in three thrilling masterpieces at Clifton

Cathedral.

The Firebird was Stravinsky’s first collaboration with the impresario

Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes, a partnership that gave birth to some of

the defining music of the early 20th century. The tale of a huntsman

prince, a magical bird, an evil monster and 13 enchanted princesses is

based on stories from Russian folklore. It’s the perfect showcase for

Stravinsky’s masterful orchestration skills and harmonic and rhythmic

originality. Tonight, it’s the crowning glory of a concert that unites Strauss

at his most swashbuckling and Prokofiev at his most tuneful and romantic.

Taking delight in a youthful virtuosity that all but boils over with incident,

drama and wit, Richard Strauss’s heroic, daring tone poem Don Juan

boasts enormous vim and irresistible vitality – prepare to be dazzled as we

demonstrate just why we’ve earned the reputation as ‘an impressive ensemble of

some of the region’s finest musicians’ (365 Bristol).

Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto was his last work to be written before

his return to Moscow from self-imposed exile. Full of lyrical beauty, it

perfectly suited the Soviet desire that music should appeal to the masses.

Prokofiev was also working on his ballet Romeo and Juliet at the time, so

it’s no surprise that the concerto shares the same deeply romantic

melodies and youthful energy of the ballet, but with surprises around each

corner.