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Sometimes, all you need is the overture to capture the whole world of an opera.

Mistaken identities, romantic entanglements and revenge - Johann Strauss II touches upon all those themes and more in his Overture to Die Fledermaus, after which the solo cello in Lutosławski’s cello concerto makes its’ gripping entrance. The piece starts with a staggering 5-minute cello cadenza which is followed by seemingly spontaneous orchestral outbreaks, conjuring up the image of ‘controlled chaos’. Weber’s Overture to Oberon begins softly with Oberon’s call, played by the French Horn and morphs into a dazzling welcome of the fairy world. Although Schumann’s hero Manfred also finds himself in a supernatural sphere, this one is much more dramatic, full of risk, longing and loss. Hindemith’s splashy and colourful Symphonic Metamorphosis on themes by Carl Maria von Weber is relentlessly driven forward by bold marching rhythms and a vibrant energy.

Today’s conductor and soloists are all students of the RNCM International Diploma scheme and will perform alongside the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Philharmonic Orchestra.