Sibelius’ energetic piece depicts the hero of the Finnish folklore returning home after success in battle.

Prokofiev’s violin concerto has the atmosphere of a fairy tale or dream, with the two rhapsodic outer movements divided by a quirky scherzo. The composer’s delicate orchestration is to the fore as the finale evaporates in an iridescent shimmer of sound.

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony was composed on his return to Russia in 1888 after a successful European concert tour. The waltz feel of much of the first movement foreshadows the waltz which takes the place of the usual scherzo. The slow movement is pure melody, while the finale is a burst of power and orchestral colour.

The Philharmonia Orchestra is Anvil Arts’ Orchestra in Partnership.