BBC Symphony Orchestra

James Gaffigan conductor
Veronika Eberle violin

K.A. Hartmann Symphony No. 2, ‘Adagio’
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor Op. 64
Brahms Symphony No. 4 in E minor Op. 8

The orchestra of the First and Last Nights of the BBC Proms makes a rare visit to Brighton for this exclusive concert.

The programme encapsulates the grace and the grandeur of the German orchestral repertory over 100 years: from Mendelssohn’s ravishingly melodic Violin Concerto (1845) to Hartmann’s jazz-hued Symphony No. 2 (1946), this concert teams two well-loved masterpieces alongside a fascinating rarity.

Karl Amadeus Hartmann (1905–1963) has been called the greatest German symphonist of the 20th century. His tonal and highly imaginative music is underscored by an intense feeling for humanity; as his fellow composer Udo Zimmermann said, ‘his concept of life oriented towards humanity is inscribed in all his scores’. A staunch anti-fascist, he regarded composition as his commitment to humanity – a commitment that made him a leading figure in the post-war reconstruction of the German music scene.

The Symphony No. 2 encapsulates the gamut of musical emotions, from the lyrical to the forboding, in one richly orchestrated movement. Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto provides an exquisite contrast, with its poignancy and joie de vivre; bridging the two, the serious majesty of Brahms’s Symphony No. 4 represents the full flowering of the German symphonic tradition in all its depth and opulence.

Veronika Eberle has established a reputation as one of the most exceptional violin talents to emerge from Germany in recent years. The poise and maturity of her musicianship have been recognised by some of the world’s finest orchestras, venues and festivals, as well as by some of the world’s most eminent conductors.

'No-one could argue with the quality of the playing, which was magnificent: delicate and sparkling, almost forensic in its precision' Seen and Heard International on Veronika Eberle

James Gaffigan continues to attract international attention as one of the most outstanding conductors working today. In high demand by leading orchestras and opera house throughout Europe, the US and Asia, he also enjoys a longstanding relationship with Glyndebourne, for whom he conducted the 5-star La Cenerentola in 2012.

'James Gaffigan's conducting is thrilling in its precision and control' The Guardian

View the event programme