19th March 2022 7.45pm, Farnham Maltings
The FSO continues its Centenary Season with a superb programme of Grieg and Bruckner, featuring international pianist Hiroko Imai and guest conductor Orlando Jopling.
Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor needs little introduction, the dramatic opening drum roll and piano chord having thrilled concert goers (and fans of Morecambe and Wise) for years. The work is special to the FSO as it was first played by the orchestra in April 1923 during the inaugural season, and it’s very exciting, ninety-nine years on, for the orchestra be working with Hiroko Imai, the young Japanese pianist who so enthralled with her enchanting performance of Shostakovich’s 2nd piano concerto in 2019.
The second half features Bruckner’s great sixth symphony: a work that took time to find favour with audiences more used to the traditional ‘classical’ oeuvre, it is now regarded as one of Bruckner’s finest. The complex weaving of harmonies and majestic brass melodies make for a wonderful finale to the evening.
Pianist Hiroko Imai studied in Peru, Japan and Vienna. The recipient of many music prizes, she is in demand around the world both as a soloist and chamber musician. She also runs a piano masterclass in Italy and has recently released a CD on the Gramola label with singer Ute Ziemer.
Orlando Jopling is renowned as a conductor, composer, cellist and all-round champion of music and music-making. He has worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, the London Mozart Players among many others, both on the concert platform and in the recording studio. He also conducts opera and ballet, directs the Roman River Festival, and composes for film and theatre. The FSO has benefited hugely from his wide-ranging knowledge as they have worked on this wonderful programme.
Tickets are £13.50 for adults; £6.75 for children or students in full-time education and are available from The Maltings box office (01252 745444) or online at Tickets. [Photo: Gerhard Flekatsch]
