SCHUMANN & MOZART

Thursday 22 April 2010 at 7.45pm

Wolverhampton Civic Hall

Karl-Heinz Steffens  conductor
Antti Siirala  piano

Schumann: Manfred - Overture 12'
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21, K.467 31'
Schumann: Symphony No. 3 (Rhenish) 32'

Robert Schumann just couldn't help himself. He knew he was meant to be writing serious symphonies, but emotion kept getting in the way. With its heroic opening, imposing slow movement and beer-festival finale, his Rhenish Symphony is more than just a joyous musical postcard from the sunny hills of the Rhineland - it's an irresistibly exuberant self-portrait of one of music's supreme Romantics. Mozart's best-loved piano concerto makes a perfect complement. Call it the "Elvira Madigan", call it Piano Concerto No. 21; the fact remains that it's one of the most eloquent, most stirring and - yes - most romantic concertos Mozart ever wrote. And in the hands of the acclaimed young Finnish pianist Antii Siirala, you'll know it.

Tickets: £ 5– 23

Tel: 0870 320 7000