London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Mark Elder: Mozart and Strauss, Barbican Hall

The more calendar-savvy of you may have noticed that 2014 marks the 150th anniversary of Richard Strauss’s birth, and this concert – featuring Sir Mark Elder, Imogen Cooper, and the London Symphony Orchestra – incorporates no fewer than three of his pieces alongside Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 K482. German Romanticism is arguably what suits Elder’s muscular and dynamic conducting style best, and we are therefore particularly looking forward to seeing his interpretations of Strauss’s Wind Serenade, Macbeth, and Till Eulenspiegel. 

While such a Strauss-heavy programme might appear to be a bit intense for some concert-goers, it’s important to note the variety here. The early tone-poems Till Eulenspiegel and Macbeth could not be more different from one another in tone, with the playful storytelling of the former offsetting the Shakespearean histrionics of the latter. 

We are also looking forward to watching Imogen Cooper flex her muscles and take on Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22. As any pianist will tell you, Mozart’s piano repertoire demands an extraordinary level of attention to detail in order for an interpretation to be convincing. Few are as well suited to the challenge as Cooper, whose critically-acclaimed recordings of Mozart concerti have been earmarked for their eloquence and intelligence. Such unerringly articulate playing is absolutely essential for the lively Allegro potpourri that concludes the concerto. 

Despite being fairly geographically contained, and only featuring two composers, this concert promises an evening rich with variety. These are some very distinguished performers, though, so get booking as soon as you can.