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A tortured genius, Brahms was known for his serious and sombre style, but here we see a different side to the composer, as we’re treated to the whimsical and sun-drenched Serenade No.2. And, rumour has it we can thank Brahms for another work in today’s programme. Dvořák’s Wind Serenade – a fun and joyous celebration of the Czech folk tradition – was allegedly inspired by music the composer heard while on his way to visit, you guessed it, Johannes Brahms.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra brass players Hannah Mackenzie and Richard Cowen started out in Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (formerly Merseyside Youth Orchestra). Now, they’re back where it all began, taking to the stage alongside our current Youth Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as soloists in Vivaldi’s sparkling Concerto for Two Trumpets. The Youth Orchestra will also perform the world premiere of a brand-new version of Danny Elfman's Wunderkammer. In the first half, the talented Youth Academy Orchestra perform Dvořák's New World Symphony, arranged especially for them by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s Tim Jackson.

Fiery folk tunes meet the Orchestra – Domingo Hindoyan dives deep into a whirlwind of colour and rhythm, straight from the untamed musical imagination of Zoltán Kodály. A different kind of passion drives Bartók’s Second Violin Concerto, and violinist Michael Barenboim is just the artist to uncover both its poetry and its inner fire. Meanwhile, if you enjoy Dvořák’s ‘New World’ symphony, you simply have to hear the Seventh. This tempestuous portrait of a nation awakening to freedom packs a serious emotional punch.

There’s only one Víkingur Ólafsson, and if you haven’t yet heard him, Brahms’ mighty Second Piano Concerto offers a magnificent introduction to this Icelandic piano sensation. “Everyone knows how to listen to music, just like we know how to drink water,” he says, “you just listen…” – and that’s all that you need do this afternoon. Domingo Hindoyan and the Orchestra will take care of the rest, and they’ll be bringing fire, as well as ice, in orchestral showpieces by Dvořák and Kodály.

Some pieces are classics for a reason – and let’s face it, when it comes to Dvořák’s New World symphony it’s been a long time since the Hovis ad! This great symphony of exile, hope and nostalgia has been touching hearts since 1893. Shostakovich’s uproarious Piano Concerto is a bit newer, and Anna Tsybuleva makes it sparkle tonight. First, though, guest conductor Erina Yashima shares a piece of pure magic from a young Dutch composer with a huge imagination.

All the right notes in rather more than just the right order! Grieg’s Piano Concerto is one of those pieces that absolutely everyone knows. The real skill is making it sound as fresh as new – and when the 2015 Leeds International Piano Competition winner Anna Tsybuleva joins forces with guest conductor Erina Yashima, we think the results will be magical. As for Humperdinck’s fairytale prelude and Dvořák’s New World symphony…well, enough said, really. It’s just tune after tune after tune.