The sparkling overture to Mozart’s most popular opera opens this concert.

Elgar’s Cello Concerto highlights the composer’s heartfelt lyricism. The drama of the opening movement is followed by a nimble scherzo, and a slow movement of elegiac beauty. The powerful finale is memorably interrupted by a haunting reminiscence of the slow movement before rushing to its close.

Sibelius’ second symphony was written largely in Italy and inhabits a very different musical world from the northern darkness of his first. The sense of renewal and exploration continues through its four movements before building inexorably to the final thrilling brass theme.

The Philharmonia Orchestra is Anvil Arts’ Orchestra in Partnership.