CBSO with Daishin Kashimoto (violin) and Kazuki Yamada

This concert brings a first visit to Nottingham from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s new Music Director, Kazuki Yamada, and his fellow Japanese artist, Daishin Kashimoto, whose authoritative tone will be known to thousands from his leading the Berlin Philharmonic as its concertmaster since 2009. For this appearance he’ll be playing Max Bruch’s ardently Romantic First Violin Concerto, arguably the world’s most popular for the instrument.

Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade reflects a widespread interest in the exoticism of the Middle East amongst Romantic composers of his day. Here it’s the never-say-die heroine of the Tales of the Thousand and One Nights who takes centre stage in the composer’s musical drama, staying alive by keeping her vengeful husband, the Sultan, interested in suspenseful tales. In Rimsky-Korsakov’s vibrant symphonic telling, the solo violin gives voice to Scheherazade, spinning yarns about the great sea captain, Sinbad, with his adventures’ exotic locations coloured by the composer’s most gorgeous melodies and dramatic orchestration.

Free pre-concert talk, 6.20pm in the auditorium: William Ruff introduces Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade.