Mischief, murder and magnificence in a brilliant showcase for the orchestra – with a little help from the Opera.

Be immersed in a dazzling array of sounds and moods. Rossini’s Thieving Magpie sounds as mischievous as ever, from opening drumroll to galloping conclusion. Beethoven’s early piano concerto is both assertive and playful, full of bold contrasts and surprising effects. The exceptional young pianist Seong-Jin Cho dazzles in the solo part. In the second half we find beauty in tragedy: orchestral suites from two of Puccini’s most powerful operas, Tosca and Madam Butterfly, arranged by conductor Carlo Rizzi. Puccini’s genius at orchestration is revealed in all its expressive glory.