Cities of Sound: New York, Berlin, Vienna

The evening

From Mozart’s classical brilliance to the bold energy of twentieth‑century modernism, this programme crackles with theatrical flair and rhythmic drive.

Conductor Anna Rakitina leads a richly varied evening that opens with a suite from Elena Langer’s Figaro Gets a Divorce, a witty and expressive sequel to Mozart’s operatic world, full of colour, irony, and dramatic sparkle. Mozart himself follows with the radiant Piano Concerto No. 21, its elegance and lyrical warmth brought to life by pianist Clare Hammond, widely recognised for her imaginative playing, visionary programming, and communicative performance style. A recipient of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Young Artist Award, Hammond has appeared at the BBC Proms, Wigmore Hall, and leading international venues, and is admired for the insight and energy she brings to both classical and modern repertoire.

After the interval, sharp edges and jazzy exuberance take centre stage. George Antheil’s Jazz Symphony bursts with swagger and rhythmic bite, before Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three Movements delivers a bracing, propulsive finale — taut, dynamic, and unmistakably modern.