The Berliner Philharmoniker, described as ‘the greatest orchestra in the world’ by the LA Times, returns to the Festival after 20 years for a two-concert residency. In this first concert, the orchestra and their Chief Conductor Kirill Petrenko take on two greats of the orchestral repertoire.  

Edward Elgar’s much-loved 'Enigma Variations', born of an evening spent improvising at the piano, brought the composer instant success. Each of the 14 variations on an ‘enigma’ theme is an inventive character piece, cryptically alluding to one of his friends. Although, as Elgar intended, the overarching enigma has never been solved.  

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, written in Italy, marked a turning point in his career and the emergence of his mature musical voice. From its dark and thrilling brass opening to its exhilarating pizzicato third movement and blazing finale, the symphony spins around the theme of ‘Fate’.