Beethoven and Tchaikovsky at Victoria Hall, Hanley

The BBC Philharmonic return to Victoria Hall with three works by two great composers, in a programme conducted by John Storgårds.

Beethoven never actually named his fifth piano concerto The Emperor but the name given to it by his English publisher perfectly captures the regal, dashing soundworld of the piece. It's unlikely Beethoven would have approved of the name though, given his disapproval of Napoleon's conquest!

Tchaikovsky’s wonderful Fourth Symphony was dedicated to his patroness and friend Nadezhda von Meck, a Russian businesswoman who made it possible for the composer to immerse himself in his work. Their platonic friendship gave rise to a fascinating correspondence over 14 years, and sheds light on a richly productive period of Tchaikovsky’s life, personally and professionally.