The Hallé and Alexandra Dariescu (piano)

Our last concert begins with Emmanuel Chabrier's radiant España, which the composer said "will arouse the whole audience to a feverish pitch of excitement." Tchaikovsky wasn't so confident of his First Piano Concerto, yet this Romantic masterpiece has proved as enduring as any. Our soloist is the charismatic Romanian Alexandra Dariescu, a very popular visitor to Nottingham. Rachmaninov composed his Symphonic Dances after fleeing to America. The last major piece he composed, it features all the melodic strength of his greatest symphonic work. Although, like Rachmaninov, Paul Dukas suffered bouts of self-doubt, The Sorcerer's Apprentice provides a truly magical finale.

Free pre-concert talk, 6.30pm in the auditorium: Neil Bennison introduces the 2016-17 season