Royal Philharmonic Orchestra | Symphonic Russia
Wycombe Swan
Sat 27 April

SHOW INFORMATION | PRE-SHOW DINING | PRICING |
Composers featured in this performance
'More and more it seems to me that Borodin, with all his limitations, was one of the most perfect composers, as regards workmanship, that ever lived.’ No, that’s not a eulogy by one of Borodin’s colleagues from the ‘Mighty Handful’ (or ‘Kuchka’ to use the Russian term), but words written some 32 years after his death by the English composer Philip Heseltine, better known under his pseudonym Peter Warlock. Warlock’s views were far from exceptional in the early 20th century.
Rachmaninov - Paganini Variation
Tchaikovsky - Symphony No.5.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was a Russian composer whose works included symphonies, concertos, operas, ballets, and chamber music. Life and Music Tchaikovsky was born on May 7th 1840 in Votkinsk, a small town in the Russian Empire. He displayed exceptional musical ability from an early age, improvising at the piano and composing his first song in 1844, aged four. Tchaikovsky persuaded his father that music was his future and he began composition lessons with Anton Rubinstein in 1861. Between 1871 and 1876 he produced a series of great works, including Swan Lake (1876) and the First Piano Concerto (1875), which established him as Russia’s leading composer. Following his ill-fated, short-lived marriage in 1877, he made a failed attempt at committing suicide. 1880 saw Tchaikovsky compose perhaps his most famous piece, the 1812 Overture - cannons at the ready! By 1887, he was conducting his own music to great acclaim and producing such works as the Sixth Symphony, the 'Pathetique' in 1893 (the year of his death) and the ballets The Sleeping Beauty (1890) and The Nutcracker (1892). His death in 1893 in St. Petersburg was believed to be as a result of a decision made by a ‘court of honour’ following revelations that Tchaikovsky had formed a relationship with a male member of the Russian aristocracy; it was apparently decided that the only course of action open to the composer was for him to commit suicide. It is more commonly attributed to cholera, however.
Rachmaninov takes you on a journey of discovery with his Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Infusing rich romantic harmonies, plainchant melodies and dynamic rhythms, this work is regarded as one of the Romantic period’s greatest works. Pre-Show Talk We’re pleased to announce that for the RPO’s 2019 performances we will be hosting pre-concert talks in the auditorium with members of the orchestra. These will be free to attend (with unreserved seating) for ticket holders and last approximately half an hour commencing an hour prior to the performance time. |
Pre-Show DiningEnhance your visit to Wycombe Swan by booking a table in the popular foyer dining area, and choosing a delicious pre-show meal from our seasonal menu. |
PricingTickets £42.00 - £20.50 Save £40 when you book three concerts. Friends £4.50 off Under 16s £10.00 Schools £9.50 Access List £20.50 Groups 10+ save 10% Groups 20+ save 20% Secret Seats £15 About Secret Seats Shhhh... it’s a bargain and it’s a secret! Try your luck and book an unreserved ticket. We guarantee it will be full-view and we’ll sit your booking (max. 4 tickets) together. You may be in the Upper Circle, or you could end up in the Stalls! When you book, you will receive a voucher to exchange at the theatre on the day of the performance you’re seeing. Terms and Conditions: All seats will be sold as unreserved – like a lottery All seats are full view Max 4 per booking (the 4 seats will be guaranteed to sit together) Non refundable. Exchangeable only for an upgrade. Where applicable fees and charges are included in the stated ticket prices. An optional postage fee may apply. Fee-free booking for Friends of Wycombe Swan; Groups of 10+ please call 01494 552875 to buy fee-free. |
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 2019 Season


Pre-Show Dining
Enhance your visit to Wycombe Swan by booking a table in the popular foyer dining area, enjoy tasty food freshly cooked moments from your seats.

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On selected shows Groups of 10+ are entitled to ticket discounts and free group organiser tickets.

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