Peter Stark conducts this seductive trio of Russian masterpieces including the overture to Romeo & Juliet
Programme
Tchaikovsky: Fantasy Overture “Romeo and Juliet”
Stravinsky: Symphonies of Wind Instruments
Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances
Tickets
Just select the ticket types and quantity and click ‘Add’:
Adult tickets: £18
Concessions: £13
Under 16: £8
Once you’ve selected your tickets, click on the shopping cart icon in the top menu to complete your purchase
Gift Card: The Perfect Present
Give the gift of music to someone you love! We now offer 4x gift card values that can be used to purchase tickets, drinks or even orchestra subscriptions for members. Click the button to find out more.
Tchaikovsky: Fantasy Overture “Romeo and Juliet”
Tchaikovsky’s Fantasy Overture “Romeo and Juliet” — a sweeping, passionate tone-poem — captures the drama of Shakespeare’s tragedy through rich orchestral colour and irresistible melodies. From the brooding, fate-laden opening to the ardent, lyrical love theme and the tempestuous conflict music, the overture balances tenderness and turmoil with vivid emotional clarity. A staple of the romantic repertoire, it offers audiences a powerful, evocative experience: love rendered in soaring strings, luminous woodwinds and driving brass, culminating in an unforgettable musical climax.
Stravinsky: Symphonies of Wind Instruments
A concentrated, brilliant portrait of wind colour and rhythmic vitality: Stravinsky’s Symphonies of Wind Instruments compresses his razor‑sharp clarity and austere lyricism into a short, powerful essay. Scored for winds and brass with percussion, the work juxtaposes spare textures, haunting slow chorales and jagged, motoric figures to create an atmosphere at once mournful and fiercely modern. Intimate yet monumental, it rewards close listening with unexpected harmonies, incisive ensemble interplay and a dramatic sense of arching form — a masterly distillation of Stravinsky’s post‑war voice.
Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances
Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances conjure sweeping lyricism, rhythmic vigour and haunting nostalgia. Scored for vivid orchestral colours and a striking piano duet in the final movement, the work moves from brooding nocturnes through driving rhythms to a luminous, transcendent close. Passionate, cinematic and deeply theatrical, the Symphonic Dances offer an electrifying showcase for orchestra and conductor.
Peter Stark
Peter Stark is a dynamic and authoritative conductor renowned for his clear musical vision and communicative podium presence. With a career spanning symphonic, operatic and choral repertoire, he combines meticulous preparation with an expressive, audience-focused approach. Stark is praised for drawing refined ensemble colour, precise rhythmic drive and thoughtful interpretations from orchestras of all sizes. Under his baton performances are marked by energy, clarity and a compelling narrative flow.
St. Peter’s Church, Notting Hill
The venue for our concert is St Peter's Church in Notting Hill, a building of notable architectural quality, listed Grade II*. The interior of the building is very elaborate, with many of the pillars boasting gilded capitals.
To get to St Peter’s Church using public transport, the closest Tube Station is Notting Hill Gate. The closest Bus Stop is PT-Stanley Gardens and PS-Chepstow Villas.
On-street parking outside the church is limited to RBKC resident permit holders, with some prepay spaces also available.
Address: 90 Kensington Park Road, London, W11 2PL