Bohemian Rhapsodies

The music

Bacewicz Overture* (6') Listen
Martinů Violin Concerto No. 2 (28') Listen
Lutosławski Symphony No. 4 (22')* Listen
Janáček Taras Bulba (23’) Listen

The performers

• Edward Gardner conductor **
• Josef Špaček violin

Four composers, each with a thousand tales to tell.

In the 20th century, the nations of Central Europe experienced both glory and terror – and composers responded with music that blazes with energy and imaginative power. For LPO Principal Conductor Edward Gardner, it’s a source of pure inspiration, and tonight, in the first of two Phoenix Lands concerts, he shares his passion. Janáček retells bloody folktales, Grażyna Bacewicz strikes a note of defiance, and Lutosławski and Martinů each do their own deliriously imaginative thing. These composers have a thousand tales to tell, and with the aid of the superb young Czech violinist Josef Špaček, their story starts here.

* Supported by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute.

** Edward Gardner’s position in the LPO is generously supported by Aud Jebsen.