BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Aldeburgh Festival 2025

The BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sakari Oramo. Helen Grime's Violin Concerto, Richard Strauss's Death and Transfiguration and Four Last Songs, and Awake by Daniel Kidane.

The first of two concerts from Snape Maltings Concert Hall by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Sakari Oramo features two masterpieces by Richard Strauss in which darkness is transformed into light. Death and Transfiguration depicts the death of an artist and his ascension to heaven; and in The Four Last Songs – performed by soprano Anu Komsi – the singer reflects on the passing of life's seasons in achingly beautiful music.

Festival artist composer Helen Grime describes her Violin Concerto as “violent, virtuosic music covering the whole range of the violin, contrasted with more delicate and reflective filigree material and searching melodies”. And she adds, referring to her soloist, Festival artist Leila Josefowicz "Every time she plays the Concerto she has something new to say and to bring to it, so it's a very exciting experience every time I hear it”.

"Be awake, focus on the positives, be open-minded. Really listen. I wanted to create a piece that was hopeful”. The words of fellow featured Festival composer artist Daniel Kidane’s whose 'Awake' begins the concert.

Recorded at Snape Maltings on Saturday 21st June 2025. Presented by Martin Handley

Daniel Kidane: Awake
Helen Grime: Violin Concerto (UK premiere)

Interval: Music chosen by Helen Grime

Richard Strauss: Tod und Verklärung (Death and Transfiguration) Op.24
Richard Strauss: Four Last Songs

Anu Komsi (soprano)
Leila Josefowicz (violin)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)

To listen on most smart speakers just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".