Schumann once wrote, admiringly, that Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique was ‘written with drops of blood’. Both composers were ardent Romantics, eager to transplant their very souls into music. Both were entranced by all Beethoven had achieved whilst eager to prove themselves and outstep his shadow. You sense this in these works.
One hears young Berlioz’s own longing for recognition in Cleopatra’s appeal to the Gods for exaltation. Meanwhile, Schumann embarks on his own pastoral symphony, all the while seeking to detour from the path first trodden by Beethoven.
We regret to inform you that due to illness Justina Gringytė is unable to perform as previously listed. However, we are eternally grateful to Maribeth Diggle for stepping in at such short notice. Find out more about Maribeth here
Donning gut strings and authentic period bows, our orchestral time-machine transports us back to an era of emotional exuberance, artistic grandeur and rebellious spirits pushing rules to their limits.
For the first time, witness the theatrical magic of an entire orchestra at The Bridge. You can experience a symphony like never before, with a number of seats among the players, enabling you to sit at the very heart of the drama.