English Chamber Orchestra with François Leleux (oboe)

François Leleux, a musician of infectious vitality, is both conductor and soloist as we welcome back the English Chamber Orchestra. In his dual role Leleux directs and performs Mozart’s charming Oboe Concerto, as well as the great Polish composer Penderecki’s Capriccio, a work of fascinating colours and dazzling showmanship.

Opening and closing the concert are two of the best-loved and most engaging symphonies of them all. Mozart’s ‘Haffner’ is a superb celebratory masterpiece, while Mendelssohn’s ‘Italian’ radiates warmth and sunniness. No wonder he once described it as “the happiest piece I have yet composed”. Bursting with energy and optimism, it culminates with a frenzied dance that will leave you simply breathless.

Pre-concert talk with BBC Broadcaster Trisha Cooper starts at 6pm.