THE ITALIAN ONE

SATURDAY 10 October 2026 7.30pm 

Mascagni Cavalleria rusticana: Intermezzo
Tchaikovsky Capriccio Italien
Shostakovich Piano Concerto No 2
Verdi La Forza del Destino Overture
Respighi The Pines of Rome 

Antonina Suhanova piano
Robert Guy conductor

The season opens with one of the most recognisable melodies ever composed. Known from opera, adverts and films, Mascagni's Intermezzo is a timeless treat. The same might be said of Verdi's Force of Destiny overture, and the vigour and energy of the Tchaikovsky brings together Russian and Italian cultures in a neat link to our concerto this evening.

One of the world's favourite piano concertos, Shostakovich's second is an unusually free and light-hearted work. It is perhaps no coincidence that it was composed a few years after the death of Stalin removed the shadow which had long been cast over Shostakovich's musical and personal life. We are delighted to see Antonina Suhanova again after her Rachmaninov last year.

And to conclude? From the sounds of children playing and the song of the nightingale to the drama and majesty of the Roman legions marching down the Appian Way, Pines is as much an experience as a piece of music!