A programme of music shaped around imprisonment, coercion and escape through music. Centring around Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, it features a forgotten symphony by Viktor Ullman - a Czech composer imprisoned in Theresienstadt before being sent to die in Auschwitz - the prelude to the second act of Fidelio and an orchestral arrangement by Joachim Raff of Bach’s Chaconne in D minor. All these works deal with a sense of impotency in front of adverse circumstances and make us reflect on the extraordinary musical energy provided by these rigid boundaries.

Tchaikovsky is interpreted by Catherina Lee, an Australian violinist described by Marin Alsop as a “beautiful musician” and regularly mentored by Janine Jansen.

Programme:

L. van Beethoven (1770-1827) Prelude to Second Act from Fidelio

V. Ullman (1898-1944) Symphony No. 2

P. I. Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893) Violin Concerto Op. 35

J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Chaconne in D minor (Orchestral arrangement by J. Raff)

Catherina Lee, violin

Raffaello Morales, conductor

Fidelio Orchestra

Photo: Sofija Palurović