Eastern Folk

The evening

This programme brings together folk inspiration, contemporary lyricism, and symphonic drama under the baton of Delyana Lazarova, with violist Maxim Rysanov as soloist. Bartók’s vivid Romanian Folk Dances open the evening, drawing directly on the melodies and rhythms he meticulously collected in remote villages, preserving an authentic musical heritage.

The centrepiece of the first half is Dobrinka Tabakova’s Viola Concerto, written for Rysanov and heard here in its UK premiere for full orchestra. Richly expressive and luminous in colour, the work places the viola’s voice at the heart of a deeply personal sound world. Lutosławski’s Little Suite, rooted in Polish folk dance, reflects a resilient national spirit shaped by history and tradition.After the interval, Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony closes the concert in thrilling fashion, its memorable melodies, driving rhythms and vivid orchestration charting a powerful journey from fate to triumph.