Reuniting with British pianist Tom Poster, Aurora Orchestra explores early 20th-century expressions of modernity, pairing iconic works by Gershwin, Bartók and Prokofiev with Mozart’s radiant F-major Piano Concerto.

Written in the bleak aftermath of World War I, Bartók’s pantomime ballet The Miraculous Mandarin depicts the dark underbelly of modern urban life, provocatively stirring up a scandal when it premiered. In contrast, across the Atlantic Gershwin shines a different light on urban modernity with Rhapsody in Blue, a piano concerto that grooves to the rhythms and sounds of the 1920s Jazz Age.

Complementing these two works, Prokofiev’s ‘Classical’ Symphony twists and turns with charm and delight in Haydnesque style, innovatively merging classical forms with modern harmonies. This neoclassical gem is paired with Mozart’s lively F-major Piano Concerto performed by regular Aurora collaborator Tom Poster, known for his warm sound and thoughtful lyricism.

Pre-Concert Talk: Aurora Principal Players reflect on 15 years of Aurora
St Pancras Room, 6pm

Book this evening’s late-night Lock-In: Folk Roots

Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 is generously supported by Andrew Blankfield & Bernadette Hillman and Nicholas & Emma Hardie.