Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest olv. Yannick Nézet-Séguin

We will always envy our northern neighbours their two world-class symphony orchestras. But as long as the Rotterdam Philharmonic pays us regular visits, we are happy. As always, they are not easily daunted. In between two Russian evergreens, they will be taking on a Belgian composition -the 'Piano Concerto' by Turnage. He has been causing a furore for a quarter of a century with his contrasts and clashes between high and low, classical and light. Last season, Turnage honoured us with the world premiere of his well-received Cello Concerto. This year, you will once again be hearing a composition that is hot off the press. And who better than piano king Marc-André Hamelin throw his weight behind the solo score? Prokofiev's Classical Symphony, a contemporary tribute to Haydn, marked the beginning of neo-classicism. Bernstein praised the work as "one of the best musical satires ever written". 'Firebird' will be the headline piece. This fairytale ballet music for a 'wastefully large' orchestra made Stravinksy's name. To this day, it remains his most popular concert piece.