Last week I headed to South Kensington for a night of explosive, high-octane Russian drama at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's Tchaikovsky Gala at the Royal Albert Hall.
The RPO is known for its versatility and accessibility, bringing classical music to the masses for 70 years with spectacular performances - like the upcoming musicals extravaganza - reaching a wider audience than any other UK ensemble. The Tchaikovsky Gala featured five of the Russian composer's most celebrated works led by conductor Grzegorz Nowak, opening with the dramatic, romantic Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture and the hugely popular Piano Concerto No.1 performed by the young, acclaimed pianist Teo Gheorghiu before the interval. A glass of champagne later, the grand Eugene Onegin: Polonaise opened the second half, followed by The Nutcracker Excerpts from the magical ballet before the thrilling 1812 Overture closed the show with a firework finale. Lively classical music at its best.
