Kasparas Mikuzis            piano 
Stephen Scotchmer        conductor

This eclectic mix of much-loved pieces and less familiar works, reminiscent of the BBC’s famous Friday Night is Music Night programmes, opens with Smetana’s Bartered Bride - simply a joyful, delightful Overture and a vivacious mood setter. 

Another Classic FM Rising Star, young Lithuanian pianist Kasparas Mikuzis, celebrated for his artistry and versatility, joins the orchestra to perform Gershwin’s energetic, jazz-inspired Piano Concerto. 

The ever-popular Blue Danube Waltz requires no introduction and the same is true of the theme tune to Desert Island Discs. Eminent contemporary Mexican composer, Arturo Marquez’s Conga Del Fuego is much less familiar but nonetheless instantly appealing with its strong, catchy Latin American rhythms and floating, lyrical melodies. 

The concert concludes with a most enjoyable suite written by conductor Stephen Scotchmer. Inspired by a recent visit to Australia, The Suite Antipodean skillfully combines sea shanties and Aboriginal music to provide the listener with a flavour of this amazing continent.