Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2, Barber Violin Concerto

Saturday 9th May 2026, 7.30pm
Strode Theatre, Street, Somerset

Experience an evening of sweeping emotion and lyrical intensity as the Mid-Somerset Orchestra presents a programme shaped by two of the 20th century’s most expressive voices. Under the baton of Hitoshi Suzuki, the concert opens with Samuel Barber’s radiant Violin Concerto, a work celebrated for its soaring melodies and shimmering warmth. From its tender opening to the exhilarating virtuosity of its final movement, the concerto offers a compelling showcase for our soloist, to be announced soon, whose artistry will bring Barber’s heartfelt lyricism vividly to life.

Following the interval, the orchestra performs Sergei Rachmaninoff’s monumental Symphony No. 2, a masterpiece of deep romanticism and emotional breadth. Its lush harmonies, sweeping themes, and powerful climaxes create a rich sound world that has captivated audiences for generations. Join us for a night of musical storytelling that celebrates passion, virtuosity, and the enduring beauty of the orchestral tradition.