Joy & Heartbreak

Like many wealthy young Europeans of his day, Mendelssohn travelled widely and found musical inspiration on many of his journeys (think of that expressive musical picture, The Hebrides). One country brought him particular pleasure: “This is Italy! And now has begun what I have always thought...to be the supreme joy in life.”

Inspired by his sojourn there, the Italian Symphony is sunshine and Chianti in music. Mendelssohn is one of the most frequently performed classical composers of them all, whereas Gideon Klein’s work had to wait decades to be discovered. Karl Amadeus Hartmann went into an ‘inner exile’ during WWII, refusing to allow any performance of his music in his native Germany. This magnificent concerto started life as a protest and today is perhaps his best known work.

Please note: There was a change in guest artist for this event. We are delighted to now welcome Israeli Violinist Gregory Ahssto lead this project.