Tchaikovsky Symphony No 6

Programme Mel Bonis Oph?lie Op 165 Emily Dunbar New work* Sergei Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op 43 Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No 6 in B minor Op 74 ?Path?tique? Performers Clemens Schuldt, Jasper Lecon* conductors Liana Storey piano RNCM Symphony Orchestra About Tchaikovsky?s ?Path?tique? Symphony stands as an unnerving prelude to the composer?s untimely death, which occurred just nine days after its premiere. Bleak yet epic, the true narrative behind this programmatic work is shrouded in as much mystery as the circumstances surrounding his final days. Tchaikovsky sets the tone with a haunting opening, before moving into a lilting yet unsettled waltz. The third movement creates the illusion of a triumphant conclusion, only for this hope to be undone in the final movement. Perhaps a requiem to himself, the final Adagio lamentoso strays from the traditional symphonic form. Is this sombre, mournful elegy a resignation to fate? Mel Bonis? impressionist masterpiece Oph?lie draws from the tragic demise and mysterious drowning of William Shakespeare?s Ophelia in Hamlet, shaped by the destructive forces of the men around her. The programme also features the premiere of a new work by composition student Emily Dunbar, and RNCM Concerto Competition winner Liana Storey closes the first half by performing Rachmaninov?s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, which received its English premiere here in Manchester at the Free Trade Hall in 1935. Photo credit: Robin Clewley Tickets Full Price ?19 Students / Under 26s ?13 This event includes an interval and will end at approximately 9.30pm. ? Book Now Friday 26 June 2026, 7.30pm ? Tickets from ?13.00