Elgar Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20
Sam Perkin 365 Variations on a Gesture (for Percussionist and String Orchestra) (World Premiere)
Brahms String Sextet No 1 in B flat major, Op 18

Elgar’s much loved Serenade was personal favourite, an anniversary gift for his wife.  The ICO continues to commission new works, funded by the Arts Council and this season features Sam Perkin’s 365 Variations on a Gesture, for percussionist Alex Petcu inspired by a lifelong fascination with waves, one of the world’s most important and fundamental phenomena. The appeal to Brahms of a string sextet was based on the possibilities presented by the deep sonority of its two cellos and two violas playing off the soprano brilliance of two violins. Inspired by a Viennese sojourn, Brahms revels in the gutsy strength and soulful expressiveness of the lower instruments.

“The programme itself was rock-solid and conductor Gábor Takács-Nagy approached the music with vitality and imagination.” The Irish Times 

“Petcu’s fluency and musicianship are never in doubt”. The Irish Times