Liya Petrova plays Beethoven in a concert that buzzes with wit and drama. Expect the unexpected.

The Soviet authorities wanted Shostakovich’s Ninth Symphony to be a blockbuster epic, but instead they got a sardonic showstopper with a wicked sense of humour – music that entertains even while it subverts. No wonder they banned it!

Beethoven’s Violin Concerto begins with a drum solo and a hymn from the woodwinds – it’s only later that it lays bare the poetic, singing soul of the violin. And Dobrinka Tabakova – a British composer with a knack for telling stories – takes her inspiration from bees, in a sparky, Ivor Novello Award-winning celebration of life.

Delyana Lazarova conducted the world premiere of Swarm Fanfares, and she’ll make an inspirational partner to RPO Artist-in-Residence Liya Petrova as she soars free in Beethoven’s radiant Violin Concerto.