SCO: Beethoven's Fifth

SCO: Beethoven’s Fifth

BRITTEN                                      Simple Symphony
SHOSTAKOVICH                      Cello Concerto No.2
BEETHOVEN                              Symphony No.5
Mark Wigglesworth              conductor
Laura van der Heijden         cello

The most famous symphony ever written, and justly one of the most admired, Beethoven’s Fifth celebrates victory over the forces of fate in an unforgettable journey from struggle and conflict to blazing affirmation. Even if you feel you already know all there is to know about this iconic piece, inspirational conductor Mark Wigglesworth is just the figure to reveal new depths and splendours that might just make you think afresh.

Now an established international figure following her BBC Young Musician win in 2012, brilliant British cellist Laura van der Heijden is the soloist in Shostakovich’s dark, dramatic and deeply cathartic Second Cello Concerto. A profoundly moving experience for all who hear it. The playful innocence of Britten’s Simple Symphony—based on tunes he’d composed as a young child—complete the concert of darkness and light.