Curtain Raiser

One of the most loved and frequently performed of orchestral masterpieces wasn’t composed for orchestra at all, but originally for piano. Introduced by Rachel Hyde.

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony has so indelibly entered our cultural consciousness that it is as much a part of our collective identity as chocolate fish and jandals. Introduced by Rachel Hyde.

The sublime concerto for clarinet and orchestra is one of Mozart's most-loved works. Introduced by Murray Khouri.

This work is subtitled 'To the Memory of an Angel'.  Matthew Crawford explains the story behind the dedication.

Berlioz's opium-fuelled vision of an artist's life is introduced by Erica Challis.

The War Requiem premiered in 1962 at the opening of the new Coventry Cathedral built alongside the ruins of the bombed out medieval one. Britten's chosen texts and searing music make a powerful anti-war statement.

Introduced by Brian Kay.

This Symphony was famously given its Leningrad première in August 1942 by starving, yet defiant players, assembled under the banner of the Leningrad Radio Orchestra, during the Siege of Leningrad. Introduced by Matthew Crawford.

This symphony was one of many projects Mozart undertook to raise money in the year 1788 when his financial situation was becoming desperate. Introduced by Erica Challis.

Messiaen's work was written while he was a prisoner of the Nazis in 1941. Introduced by Roger Smith.

Nielsen’s Fifth Symphony is probably his masterpiece: a powerful, mysterious work whose themes are tightly woven into a stream of music that evolves organically from start to finish. Introduced by Erica Challis.