Often compared to a human voice, the cello is a natural partner in song, as composers have long recognised. Here leading cellist Guy Johnston is joined by distinguished soprano Joan Rodgers in a Russian-themed programme which delves into the soulful songs of Rachmaninov, Scriabin, and the cosmopolitan Pauline Viardot.

Johnston will play two works dedicated to Rostropovich, Prokofiev’s bittersweet late Sonata, and Shostakovich’s visionary Romances on the poetry of Alexandr Blok, written for Rostropovich and his wife Galina Vishnevskaya.

Listen to our podcast featuring acclaimed cellist Guy Johnston to find out what inspired this Russian-themed concert.

Pre-concert talk: 6.45pm, St Pancras Room
Cellist and guest speaker Justin Pearson has established a fine instrument scheme for the Royal Society of Musicians of Great Britain, and has helped many prominent cellists. He draws on long experience of instrument buying and of forming syndicates. Guy Johnston will join the talk for the first 15 minutes.