Summer sunshine, plus the magic of Mozart.

Felix Mendelssohn loved Birmingham – but his travels didn’t stop here, and when he visited Italy for the first time his heart leaped for joy. His sun-kissed ‘Italian’ symphony is the exuberant climax to a whole afternoon of genius off the leash: whether Mozart’s majestic piano concerto, or the windswept energy of the composer they called the “female Beethoven”: Louise Farrenc.

This concert is generously supported by the Rachel Baker Memorial Charity.

About Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony

Where Have I Heard it Before?

Houseboat starring Cary Grant and The Grand Tour starring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have an unexpected similarity. They both feature Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony.

Symphony No. 4 (Italian) Mendelssohn

Full programme

  • Farrenc, Overture No.2  (7mins)
  • Mozart, Piano Concerto No.25  (30mins)
  • Schubert, Overture in the Italian Style in D major  (7mins)
  • Mendelssohn, Symphony No.4 (Italian)  (27mins)

Performers

  • Headshot of Elts Olari.

    Olari Elts

    Conductor
  • Photograph of Ariel Lanyi.

    Ariel Lanyi

    Piano