Nottingham: Santtu and María Dueñas

The evening

Santtu makes his Nottingham debut conducting a thrilling programme that unites a modern tribute to Beethoven with his Violin Concerto in the hands of one of its foremost interpreters, before concluding with Tchaikovsky’s exhilarating Symphony No. 4.

Commissioned for the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth in 2020, Unsuk Chin’s Subito con forza (suddenly with force) is inspired by Beethoven’s explosive composition style, featuring playful references and tributes to Beethoven. Now, two centuries after the great composer’s death, Chin’s response to his music is paired with Beethoven’s elegant Violin Concerto, interpreted by the Spanish violin sensation María Dueñas. Praised by Gramophone as being “nothing short of remarkable”, Dueñas reunites with Santtu for what promises to be a memorable performance of one of the great works for her instrument.

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 begins with Fate announcing itself. Tchaikovsky’s deeply emotional, autobiographical masterpiece maps the soul’s struggle to find happiness against inescapable Fate on a symphonic canvas. From its adrenaline-filled opening, to the feverish momentum and intensity of its melodies, this is a symphony that promises thrill, excitement, and a hard-won, emotional catharsis.