‘National Orchestra of Belgium’

Of all of Prokofiev’s concertos those for violin and orchestra have a special place. The First is the most striking through the unusual slow-fast-slow structure and the balance of soloist and instrumental ensemble. Julia Fischer knows the work well, because she once recorded it with the Russian National Orchestra (Pentatone). The concert begins with the Overture on Hebrew themes, a work full of brilliant orchestral colours and lively rhythms. No Prokofiev festival is complete without Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare’s masterpiece was originally a ballet before the composer reworked it for various configurations. It has been sounding out for three quarters of a century uninterrupted in concert halls throughout the world.