When words fall silent, music speaks. Even today, it鈥檚 hard to tell whether Shostakovich鈥檚 mighty Fifth Symphony tells a story of triumph, of despair, or something far more complex. But one way or another, every performance hits home: and under the direction of Martyn Brabbins it will speak more eloquently 鈥� and passionately 鈥� than ever. James MacMillan鈥檚 deep personal faith inspired his Third Piano Concerto, but with notes taking the place of words, everyone鈥檚 free to find their own meaning in this fiercely beautiful spiritual testament. Peter Donohoe begins our cycle of MacMillan鈥檚 piano concertos - a wonderfully serene contrast to the stormy Nordic drama of Sibelius鈥檚 En Saga.

Prelude: 6.45pm in the Recital Room
James MacMillan discusses his three piano concertos.

Post-Concert Coda (approximately 10 minutes after the main concert)
In a change to the originally advertised programme, Peter Donohoe plays three of Shostakovich鈥檚 set of 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op.87: Nos.7, 12 and 13.

The main concert will be broadcast live on 成人快手 Radio 3, presented by Jamie MacDougall.