BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Elgar Cello Concerto

Andrew Lewis’ In Memory is a reflection on life with dementia, and the experiences of those who care for them. Extracts from recorded conversations with family carers are woven into the fabric of the piece, forming its melodies, harmonies and rhythms. Rhapsodic melodies accented by pizzicato allusions lead the way to virtuosity and British bravado in Elgar’s much-loved Cello Concerto, although his post WW1 moroseness is never far from the surface, with assertive yet austere themes, a jaunty energy and meditative qualities.

From stormy developments and vivacious scherzo’s to sentimental songfulness and sprinklings of Midsummer Night’s Dream-esque fairy dust, Mendelssohn’s Third Symphony was inspired by the composers 1829 trip to Scotland. Characterized by a fierce energy, cunning countermelodies and vivid pictorial qualities, Mendelssohn sketched much of the work following a trip to the ruins of Holyrood, although he didn’t complete the work for over 10 years. To conduct we are delighted to introduce audiences across Wales to the prodigiously talented Hungarian conductor, Gergely Madaras.