Composer

At the age of 22, Rachmaninov had his heart broken. He poured all his ambition and all his emotion into the epic score of his First Symphony, which goes off like a volcano – wild, passionate and positively brimming with inspiration. For many years it was lost, but today conductor Nil Venditti gives this youthful tour de force its due.

The Northampton-born composer Edmund Rubbra, meanwhile, was one of the most admired names in post-war British music, but today his radiant Piano Concerto – inspired by the flowers and moods of the English countryside – is a real rarity. Pianist Mark Bebbington has made it his mission to rediscover Britain’s lost masterworks, and this one’s a jewel. You might be about to discover your new favourite piece.

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Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 1

Cadogan Hall 

At the age of 22, Rachmaninov had his heart broken. He poured all his ambition and all his emotion into the epic score of his First Symphony, which goes off like a volcano – wild, passionate and positively brimming with inspiration. For many years it was lost, but today conductor Nil Venditti gives this youthful tour-de-force its due. The Northampton-born composer Edmund Rubbra, meanwhile, was one of the most admired names in post-war British music, but today his radiant Piano Concerto – inspired by the flowers and moods of the English countryside – is a real rarity. Pianist Mark Bebbington has made it his mission to rediscover Britain’s lost masterworks, and this one’s a jewel. You might be about to discover your new favourite piece.

Rachmaninov's Symphony No.1

Our 2024 Christmas programme celebrates the Mother of Christmas, with works that range from traditional carols and hymns to Mary, to impressive contemporary works and a new commission by Sixteen alto Kim Porter.

A Mother’s Love: Amsterdam

Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ

Municipal Theater Nijmegen

Christmas is a time for families and old friends – for well-loved tunes and good cheer. But it's also a time of mystery and wonder: of silent nights, and sounds that echo across centuries.

The Sixteen

The Anvil

Christmas is a time for families and old friends – for well-loved tunes and good cheer. But it’s also a time of mystery and wonder: of silent nights, and sounds that echo across centuries. We’re delighted to be back at The Apex this Yuletide for two nights of beauty, wonder and seasonal joy. From medieval carols to visionary modern masterpieces, it all takes its inspiration from the story at the heart of the season: a baby in a stable, surrounded by simply heavenly singing.

The Sixteen at Christmas

St John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church

The Shops at Columbus Circle

Edmund Rubbra is a sadly neglected composer, but was highly rated in his time. Inscape (1964) is a beautiful melodic setting of four poems by Gerald Manley Hopkins.

Britten's Saint Nicolas (1948) tells stories of the life of St Nicolas, fourth century Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, including the miraculous bringing back to life of three "pickled boys". Nicholas Pritchard will be reprising his role as St Nicolas, which he performed alongside Britten Sinfonia at the Aldeburgh Festival this June.

Britten Saint Nicholas

Saffron Hall

Mo Casorla, Oboe – Senior Recital

University of Arizona

World Premiere for String Quartet
commissioned by the SFCO with NEA and Emerging Black Composers Project.

MainStage 3 - Quartets and Quintets

First Congregational Church of Berkeley

First United Methodist Church

War Memorial and Performing Arts Center

A sacred masterpiece – Beethoven’s radiant Mass in C speaks from the heart and is a beautiful, deeply personal contemplation of the divine.

Composer

Edmund Rubbra

Events

Upcoming events

Jul 29, 2026

Three Choirs Festival: Beethoven Mass in C · Philharmonia Orchestra

Past events

Mar 31, 2026

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 1 · Cadogan Hall

Mar 31, 2026

Rachmaninov's Symphony No.1 · Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

About

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