The Opening Concert
Dalia Stasevska conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra in a colourful concert that features PIVOT, a new work by New York-based composer Anna Clyne.
The BBC Symphony Orchestra launches the 2021 International Festival’s orchestral series with a concert full of the sun, wit and inspiration of Italy.
Young Finnish conductor Dalia Stasevska is the Orchestra’s Principal Guest Conductor. She directs the Orchestra in Respighi’s Trittico Botticelliano, or Three Botticelli Pictures, a musical reimagining of a triptych of iconic paintings in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery. From the seasonal fantasia of the Adoration of the Magi to the lapping play of waves in The Birth of Venus, it’s joyous music of great optimism and drama.
Stravinsky raided earlier Italian music for his delirious ballet score Pulcinella, based around a farcical commedia dell’arte tale of love, disguise and magic. With its quirky wit and catchy tunes, Pulcinella is unashamedly entertaining – and was one of the biggest hits of Stravinsky’s long career.
Stasevska opens her sunlit concert with PIVOT, a brand new work specially commissioned by the International Festival from London-born, New York-based Anna Clyne, one of today’s most immediate and emotionally involving composers.
Supported by The Pirie Rankin Charitable Trust
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Dalia Stasevska Conductor
Rosie Aldridge Mezzo soprano
Filipe Manu Tenor
Michael Mofidian Bass baritone
Anna Clyne PIVOT (world premiere)
Respighi Trittico Botticelliano
Stravinsky Pulcinella