Britten, Beethoven and James Clarke

The BBC Symphony Orchestra under Ilan Volkov gives the evening a heroic focus, performing Beethoven's gallant Symphony No 3 in E flat ('Eroica') and Britten's 'Ballad of Heroes', a choral setting of words by Auden and Swingler honouring British members of the anti-Fascist Brigade killed during the Spanish Civil War (featuring tenor soloist Toby Spence). A new concerto by James Clarke (written for pianist Nicolas Hodges who performs it here), 'Untitled No 2 for Piano and Large Orchestra' (BBC co-commission: UK premiere) is also on the programme. (Note: ticket holders are also admitted to a pre-concert talk in the Fountain Room at 6pm. Places are limited for this talk so arrive early to avoid disappointment)