Proms 2015 Prom 15: Prokofiev, Qigang Chen & Rachmaninov

Following last night’s Prokofiev piano concerto cycle, tonight’s Prom opens with the Russian’s bright and joyous ‘Classical’ Symphony, which surprised critics of the young firebrand composer with its formal elegance. It’s paired with Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony – beloved for its intimate, lyrical slow movement. Rachmaninov might be the original composer of the ‘big tune’, but it’s an instinct China’s Qigang Chen – a pupil of Messiaen – shares. East and West come together for his evocative Iris dévoilée, pairing traditional Chinese instruments with Western harmonies.