Sol Gabetta plays Martinů’s Cello Concerto No. 1

When the cellist Sol Gabetta makes a guest appearance, extraordinary concert programmes are guaranteed, especially with Santtu-Matias Rouvali conducting. This time, we’re uncovering hidden gems. Sol Gabetta performs as soloist in the Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů’s Cello Concerto No. 1, an irresistible example of 1930s neoclassical music. A largely unknown concert overture by Martinů’s famed compatriot Dvořák is also on the programme.

Igor Stravinsky was at the height of his neoclassical period when he composed the ballet Jeu de cartes . Although the work has always been overshadowed by his earlier ballet music, no other composer could have set a game of poker so effectively and compellingly to music. And speaking of compelling, Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé has become an integral part of our repertoire – a musical feast in which the orchestra gradually transforms into a kaleidoscope of spectacular timbres.