Slavic Discoveries

Finchley Symphony Orchestra

Until recently female composers, however talented, struggled to gain acceptance. One such is Leokadiya Kashperova, a Russian contemporary of Rachmaninov who was highly regarded by many including Saint-Saens. Her symphony is a richly romantic piece which is beginning to reappear in programmes. We are excited to be helping restore her reputation by performing it in our concert, with a short introductory talk by Christopher Stark.

Rather better known, Tchaikovsky’s second symphony draws heavily on Ukrainian folk melodies.  Indeed much of it was written while the composer was on holiday in Ukraine which is perhaps reflected in its generally optimistic mood, quite unlike that of his later symphonies.