One spark is all it takes. A flash of light, a tiny shard of fire – and the imagination ignites. Tonight, we’ve a whole shower of Sparks from our new Composer in Association Mark Simpson.
And what follows is a positive starburst of musical colour, whether it’s James MacMillan’s wild, fantastic viola concerto – played by the artist who gave its first ever performance in 2014, Lawrence Power – or the smouldering clarinet opening of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. It used to be one of Leonard Bernstein’s party pieces; tonight, Mancunian keyboard star Jonathan Scott will really go to town.
And finally: Stravinsky’s The Firebird, a tale of green-clawed demons, beautiful princesses and a magical bird of flame. The dynamic young British conductor Nicholas Collon will really set things ablaze.
Preview, 6.30pm: Recently appointed as the Â鶹ԼÅÄ Philharmonic's Composer in Association at the age of just 26, Mark Simpson talks about his future plans with the orchestra.