We are delighted to welcome Maxim Calver (2018 BBC Young Musician finalist) for a performance of Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1.  Written for the composer’s friend, Rostropovich, it is one of the most significant and challenging concertos of the 20th century.  Mahler’s mighty Fifth Symphony includes the famous Adagietto, used in the film Death in Venice, alongside a bleak funeral march, a manic scherzo and a hymn of hope.  Mahler wrote that a symphony ‘must embrace everything’ and here we run the gamut of emotions from deep tragedy to joyful exuberance.

Our soloist Maxim Calver made his concerto debut in Symphony Hall, Birmingham as part of the Grand Final of BBC Young Musician 2018. His performance of Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and BBC 4, was praised for its ‘natural ease’ and ‘emotional lyricism’. Earlier in the competition he won the Strings Category Final performing works by Lutoslawski, Brahms and Stravinsky.

Highlights this season include a performance of Brahms’ Double Concerto in Cadogan Hall, London with Tianyou Ma (finalist of the International Menuhin Violin Competition 2018) and recitals throughout the UK and Guernsey. Maxim has also performed at many prestigious venues including Wigmore Hall, the Royal Festival Hall and BOZAR (Brussels). Festival appearances include the Gstaad Menuhin Festival in Switzerland, Southwold Arts Festival and the Wimbledon International Festival, where his performance of Delius’ cello sonata was singled out for its ‘depth of tone and passionate intensity’ (Planet Hugill, 2014).

For further information, please visit www.maximcalvercello.co.uk