It's either music's most spectacular family portrait, or one of the biggest leg-pulls in twentieth century art. But when Richard Strauss welcomes us into his family home in the astonishing Symphonia Domestica, one thing's for sure - it's business as usual, as baby gets bathed, dinner is served, and Mum and Dad quarrel and make up, all set to some of the warmest funniest, and most gloriously over-the-top music even Strauss ever wrote. After all, as Strauss put it, "what could be more serious than family life"?
Vassily Sinaisky takes us through the keyhole tonight, guides Aga Mikolaj through some of Strauss's gorgeous songs, and splashes on the cologne for Don Juan - Strauss's testosterone-charged musical portrait of the world's greatest lover.
NOTE Tue 4th Feb - CHANGE OF SOLOIST:
Owing to illness, the advertised soprano, Susan Gritton, will be unable to perform in this concert.We are delighted, however, to welcome Aga Mikolaj who has agreed to step in at short notice.
A short play about Strauss and his librettist Hugo von Hofmannstal, by Michael Kennedy. Free to ticket holders.
7pm in the foyer
Performance of Strauss’s Serenade in the foyer by RNCM students.
