The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Music Director Designate Vasily Petrenko are thrilled to be back on the Royal Albert Hall stage this spring for the first of three exceptional concerts, all recorded within this magnificent, landmark venue and brought directly to you in the comfort of your own home.

The initial broadcast will be on 25th March 19:30 UK Time. It will be available to view up to 14 days after the event has ended and can be accessed worldwide until 8th April 19:30 UK Time. If you live in a time zone that does not suit the initial broadcast time, you can watch it at any point after the initial showing for one week.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

Joining the Orchestra for the opening concert is star saxophonist Jess Gillam: a passionate and dynamic performer who has achieved international recognition as a soloist, performing at events such as the Last Night of the Proms and the BAFTAs.

A sensational programme awaits you: Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos’ lively Fantasia is filled with rhythmic vigour and flowing melodic lines that really show off the beautiful tones of the soprano saxophone. John Harle’s RANT! is described as ‘a portrait of Jess Gillam – her energy, her sound and her presence, painted in music from her own part of England.’ A thrilling piece that shows off her exuberance with dazzling rapid passages, RANT! was written especially for Jess by her mentor, the legendary saxophonist John Harle.

Framing these works are two orchestral masterpieces that perfectly illustrate the exciting new partnership between the RPO and Vasily Petrenko. Weber’s Euryanthe Overture provides a charming introduction to a performance that concludes with Brahms’ majestic Symphony No.4. From its dramatic opening it flows between urgency and lyrical beauty, using every instrument within the orchestra to drive it towards its roaring and joyful conclusion.

As Associate Orchestra of the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is delighted to be a part of the Hall’s 150th Anniversary celebrations that officially commence this March.

WEBER Euryanthe Overture

VILLA-LOBOS Fantasia

HARLE, arr. Parkin RANT!

BRAHMS Symphony No.4

Vasily Petrenko Conductor

Jess Gillam Saxophone

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra