Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra

This welcome return to Nottingham from the acclaimed Dresden Philharmonic brings with it a trio of powerful and atmospheric Russian classics. The brutal realpolitik of Mussorgsky’s unfinished opera Khovanshchina is barely glimpsed in its deceptively peaceful Prelude, whilst the tension is palpable in Shostakovich’s First Violin Concerto of 1948, performed here by the much garlanded Russian-American virtuoso, Maria Ioudenitch. Written in defiance of Stalin’s disapproval – and not actually premiered until after the dictator’s death – this thrilling piece of artistic resistance combines searing expression with a wry sense of humour.

Tchaikovsky described his fateful Sixth Symphony as “the best thing I ever composed or shall compose”, but his untimely end, only days after its premiere, has shrouded it in speculation and added extra poignancy to its hard-driven emotions. Veering from hushed tenderness to explosive power the ‘Pathétique’ remains the ultimate Romantic rollercoaster – even grand opera couldn’t deliver more tears than the symphony’s shattering finale.

Free pre-concert talk, 6.20pm in the auditorium: William Ruff introduces the programme.