A ‘Heroic’ composer, a thrilling world premiere, and one of the best presents in history.

A concert to melt the heart, and raise the spirits. Wagner’s presentation of the Siegfried Idyll to his wife Cosima is like something out of a romcom. He composed this sumptuously romantic work in secret, then rehearsed fifteen musicians for a private performance on Christmas Day – surprising and delighting Cosima on waking that morning. The hero of Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben is… Strauss himself. While something of an ego-trip, it is also a rich, sometimes witty and occasionally heartfelt work, including love-music to his wife, and snarky digs at music critics. Anna Clyne, one of the most inventive and gifted composers working today, presents a world premiere of a new viola concerto, written for the outstanding talents of Lawrence Power.