Elgar's Enigma Variations

The evening

Enigmatic Elgar, early Britten, a thrilling new work – and some outstanding young talent.

Britten’s Simple Symphony is surely one of his most popular works, its ‘Playful Pizzicato’ even turning up as the soundtrack to commercials. Its four movements are based on pieces Britten wrote as a precocious pre-teen, then reworked in his early twenties. Elgar’s Enigma Variations is also, possibly, his most popular work. Each variation of the theme depicts a friend of the composer’s, such as the famous ‘Nimrod’ movement - a portrait of ‘a long summer evening talk’ with August Jaeger. In between is Simcock’s new Triple Concerto, co-commission by the CBSO and composed for an exceptional trio of musicians, including CBSO Collaborative Artist Jess Gilliam on saxophone. Conductor Stephanie Childress makes her debut with the CBSO.

This concert is generously supported by Dr Charley Johnston in memory of Dolores.