Russian Sounds

SERGEY SMBATYAN Conductor YE EUN CHOI Violin Sergei Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major, Op. 19 Alexander Scriabin Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 55 The MPO Principal Conductor leads the orchestra in a programme of Russian works. Scriabin’s symphony was defined as “the new Bible” by Vassily Safonoff, at the time conductor of the New York Philharmonic. Ingeniously, the composer developed the sombre initial theme into a triumphant finale hymn, establishing a cyclic link between the movements. The violin concerto by Prokofiev delights audiences with its romantic lyricism without shying away from the characteristic virtuoso traits, manifesting his enfant terrible personality.