Stasevska conducts Ravel

For sheer sonic splendour, it’s hard to top Janáček’s Sinfonietta – but when Dalia Stasevska and Jean-Efflam Bavouzet perform Bartók and Ravel with the BBC SO, they’ll give it their best shot.

With some pieces, you really need to feel the floor shake. No recording can ever do justice to Janáček’s jubilant Sinfonietta, as 14 trumpets line up across the stage and Janáček’s salute to his hometown of Brno goes supernova in a blaze of glory. It takes a lot to follow Bartók’s Cantata Profana and Ravel’s astonishing Piano Concerto for the Left Hand - but if anyone can do it, it’s Janáček.

Well, there’s no point holding back – and after all, BBC SO principal guest Dalia Stasevska, is known for her dynamism and emotional commitment. The same can be said for the French pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet; there are few greater living interpreters of Ravel’s dark and dazzling concerto. Add the BBC Symphony Chorus in Bartók’s powerful folk-inspired cantata, and it won’t just be the volume that astounds you.

This performance will finish at approximately 9pm, including a 20-minute interval

Promoted by BBC Symphony Orchestra

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