Echoes of Elegance: Berlioz, Saint-Saëns, Elgar

• Berlioz – Roman Carnival Overture
• Saint-Saëns – Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor
• Elgar – Symphony No. 2 in Eb

The concert opens with the dashing Roman Carnival based on themes from Berlioz’ opera Benvenuto Cellini. Bursting with colour and rhythm, it sets the tone with its festive energy and lyrical charm. When conducting, Berlioz introduced it as a concert piece.

Our first half continues with Camille Saint-Saëns’ First Cello Concerto. Many composers, including Shostakovich and Rachmaninov, considered this work to be the finest cello concerto in the repertoire. Written in one continuous movement, the composition showcases the instrument’s full expressive range. Its premiere at the Paris Conservatoire was considered a mark of Saint-Saëns growing acceptance by the French musical establishment. The orchestra is delighted to welcome back acclaimed cellist Božidar Vukotić to perform this captivating piece. Described by The Times as "a glorious individual player", Vukotić showcases the cello's full expressive range in this beloved masterpiece.

We then move into an uplifting second half with Edward Elgar’s Second Symphony. Though Elgar once saw himself as an outsider to the British establishment, by the time he composed the piece in 1911 – dedicated to the recently deceased King Edward VII – he had become more accepted. While the symphony honours the late monarch, Elgar described it as “the spirit of pure joy.” Moments of reflection and sadness are gently resolved in a serene, elevated finale. At the top of the printed score, Elgar quotes Percy Bysshe Shelley’s line: “Rarely, rarely comest thou, Spirit of Delight” – serving as a powerful conclusion to our concert.

We hope you feel inspired by this Romantic repertoire!

About Božidar Vukotić

Božidar Vukotić is an acclaimed cellist and founding member of the Tippett Quartet, known for his powerful artistry and versatility across solo, chamber, and orchestral performance. He studied under Stefan Popov at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, earning the Premier Prix, and later refined his craft with William Pleeth and Alexander Kniazev.

Božidar has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, appearing with the English Chamber Orchestra, collaborating with Lawrence Power, and performing continuo alongside artists like Pinchas Zukerman and Angela Hewitt. His debut solo album was released by EMI Classics, and his most recent chamber recording, Stravinsky & Schnittke with Alissa Firsova (Somm), received critical acclaim.

As principal cellist, he has led sections for orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, and the Oxford Philharmonic, where he held the principal role for a decade.

With the Tippett Quartet, Božidar has performed at Wigmore Hall, BBC Proms, and major venues across the UK. Their recordings, including the award-winning Penderecki: Complete Music for String Quartet and String Trio, span a broad repertoire and have been released on EMI, Naxos, Signum, Somm, and more.

He was made an Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in 2012.

bozidarvukotic.com

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