DVORAK: Slavonic Dances op.46 (selection)
Julian ANDERSON: Incantesimi (UK premiere)
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Sir Simon Rattle

One of Europe’s most distinguished orchestras returns to the Proms with its charismatic music chief conductor and artistic director to perform some of the most toe-tapping music written in the 19th Century - Dvorak’ Slavonic Dances - and a new work by contemporary British composer by Julian Anderson.

In Dvorak's lifetime, sheet music for piano, especially arrangements designed to be played by two people, was the equivalent of today's online streaming: a relatively inexpensive way for music lovers to find out what is new and for the composer, a modest source of income and potential vehicle for renown. So when in 1878 the well-known publishing house of Simrock printed the first set of Dvorak's Slavonic Dances, their success with the piano-playing public quickly led to a request to turn them into the colourful orchestral version we hear in this BBC Prom concert.

And, to underscore the Proms' continuing commitment to present the best music of today, we hear a new work from one of UK's most talented composers.

BBC Radio 3's Andrew McGregor is joined by Alpesh Chauhan, former assistant conductor at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, a young musician inspired by the remarkable successes that Simon Rattle enjoyed with the CBSO during the formative years of his career.

(Photo: Sir Simon Rattle. Credit: Mat Henneck/EMI) Show less