Big Tunes, Big Orchestra! - Russian legends get set for Middlesbrough

He may be one of the world?s greatest ever composers, but legend has it that one of Tchaikovsky?s biggest fears was that his head would fall off if he didn?t hold it while he was conducting an orchestra!

But classical heads will remain firmly intact when the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra play two of Tchaikovsky?s most popular works at a keenly anticipated concert at Middlesbrough Town Hall next week. (Tuesday 17 February).

Initially formed back in 1931 as the Leningrad Radio Orchestra, the war period became a legendary part of the orchestra?s rich history.

The only orchestra to stay and perform in the besieged city of Leningrad, its? activities culminated in the performance of Shostakovich?s 7th Symphony on the 9th of August 1942 ? the day the Nazi?s planned to enter the captured city.

The orchestra?s work during the siege became a unique monument to the irrepressible dignity of the human spirit and, fast forward to the present day, they are still loved worldwide as one of Russia?s leading orchestras.

Conducted by Vladimir Altschuler, the Middlesbrough concert will include Tchaikovsky?s Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet by Shostakovich, and the Karelia Suite by Sibelius.

And Tchaikovsky?s work doesn?t end there, with special guest pianist Noriko Ogawa taking centre stage with the legendary composer?s Piano Concerto No. 1.

Noriko is renowned all over the world in classical circles, with the Japanese pianist being a regular and very welcome guest with all the major European, Japanese and US Orchestras.

And she always enjoys playing Tchaikovsky?s famous work with a great orchestra.

?It always feels really amazing I have to say,? said Noriko. ?The concerto itself begins with these amazing French horns, then my piano comes in with such heavy chords that are so well known ? I?ve known this concerto since I was probably three years old ? and to be able to play, almost to control the whole orchestra, it?s just wonderful. Big tunes, big orchestra! It?s very rich in sound, absolutely gorgeous.?

The concert is the latest in a series of major international orchestras playing at Middlesbrough Town Hall, thanks to funding from Arts Council England, and follows rousing performances last autumn by the Russian State Philharmonic and the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestras.

Rob Guest of Middlesbrough Town Hall said: ?The St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra are a major part of Russia?s incredible classical history, and it?s absolutely fantastic that they?re coming here to Middlesbrough.

?The night is going to feature some of the most popular Classical works ever written, and Tchaikovsky?s Romeo & Juliet is very apt for this time of year ? perfect for Valentines everywhere.

?In fact,? said Rob, ?Legend has it that not only did Tchaikovsky fear that his head would fall off if he didn?t keep it still while he was conducting an orchestra, but that he also occasionally suffered from writer?s block. He was apparently helped out of his block by Balakirev, who suggested the outline for Romeo & Juliet. Turned out to be a great tip.?

• Tuesday 17 February: St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. Middlesbrough Town Hall. 7.45pm. Conducted by Vladimir Altschuler, with special guest Noriko Ogawa. One of Russia?s finest orchestras perform works by Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Sibelius.

• Ticket info: Student tickets £8.00. Standard tickets from £13.50 / £12.50 concs. Up to two children under 16 go free with every adult ticket in selected areas. School groups are welcome, with tickets at £3 each for groups of ten or more, plus one teacher free.

Box Office: For further info, tickets, or brochures, call the Box Office on 01642 729 729 or visit www.middlesbroughtownhallonline.co.uk

Tickets are no longer available for this event