Powerhouse Russian pianist Boris Berezovsky, known for both his formidable energy and his poetic sensitivity, is the soloist in his compatriot Rachmaninov’s voluptuous Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. It combines surging energy with the composer’s characteristic heart-rending melody to unforgettable expressive effect.

The Orchestra and Pappano bookend Rachmaninov’s sublime Rhapsody with two of music’s greatest love stories. Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet is a stormy orchestral evocation of scenes from Shakespeare’s great tragedy. And Schoenberg’s early Pelleas und Melisande takes Maeterlinck’s elusive symbolist play as inspiration for a passionate and achingly melodic symphony in all but name.

This concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Tuesday 13 September at 7.30pm.

The pairing of Pappano and Santa Cecilia has proven itself as a major artistic brand of our time.

RedMusica

Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia will also perform in the Opening Concert at Usher Hall on 6 August at 8pm.