John Wilson conducts Elgar | Philharmonia Orchestra

Elgar himself said that his First Symphony spoke of “a wide experience of life… and a massive hope in the future.”

Premiered in 1908, when Elgar was 51 years old, the work was an immediate success. Over a century later, it would still top many people’s lists of the finest music ever written by a British composer. Full of passion and poignancy, and characteristically noble melodies, this is music that packs a real emotional punch.

The Philharmonia first recorded Walton’s Violin Concerto in 1950, with Walton himself conducting and Jascha Heifetz as soloist. Following in Heifetz’s footsteps is Canadian James Ehnes, “a violinist in a class of his own” (The Times). Every aspect of his outstanding musicianship, from dreamy lyricism to exuberant virtuosity, has its moment in this expressive masterpiece.

John Wilson is a regular guest conductor with the Philharmonia. His most recent performance with the orchestra, streamed during lockdown, received five-star reviews and was acclaimed for his “impeccable direction” (The Times).