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Snippets of folk-like tunes weave together in Holst’s kaleidoscopic Capriccio, and taking an equally central role in Stravinsky’s Symphonies of Wind Instruments are the Russian folk elements and original meaning of ‘symphony’, that of sounding together. Short litanies between the different instruments draw together contrasting episodes at three different but still related speeds.

Welsh Euphonium sensation David Childs steps into the solo spot for the world premiere of Sir James MacMillan’s new concerto Where the Lugar meets the Glaisnock, and the folk music of England provides the scene for Vaughan Williams’ In the Fen Country. A symphonic impression portraying the warmth of nature, juxtaposed with the bleak emptiness of the fens, this early work shows a glimpse of the musical language of Vaughan Williams we have all come to love. We then turn once again to Stravinsky, this time with his response to the atrocities of World War II, his Symphony in Three Movements. To conduct we’re delighted to welcome Sir James MacMillan.