Event Categories: Classical

Neil Sands and his wonderful cast are back with a new production for 2025 of their most popular patriotic show Land of Hope & Glory, celebrating The Best of British Entertainment and especially produced to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of The Second World War. VE Day 80.

This patriotic and nostalgic afternoon is filled with marvellous and memorable songs, including a rousing selection from Last Night of The Proms, Old Time Sing-alongs, Great British Show Tunes, and ever popular favourites from the 40s, 50s, and 60s.

This promises to be their biggest and most spectacular patriotic production ever. Over two hours of timeless nostalgia, with sensational voices, more than 50 stunning costume changes, including a spectacular 1940’s style VE Day party with enough bunting, flags and fun to light up the brightest stage, followed by flag waving finale in a heart-warming tribute to the veterans of the armed forces.

Elgar’s Enigma Variations with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Conductor: Gemma New
Piano: Daniel Ciobanu

Britten Peter Grimes: Four Sea Interludes
Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3
Elgar: Enigma Variations

Returning to Hull City Hall for a captivating evening of orchestral masterworks, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra led by the talented Gemma New.

Dive into the turbulent seas of Benjamin Britten’s gripping Four Sea Interludes from the opera Peter Grimes, a powerful evocation of the elemental forces of nature.

Then, embark on a thrilling musical voyage with Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No.3, a tour de force of virtuosity and emotional depth, brought to life by the exceptional pianist Daniel Ciobanu.

The evening culminates with Elgar’s beloved Enigma Variations, a profound exploration of friendship and the human spirit, skilfully woven into an orchestral tapestry of unforgettable melodies.

Pre-concert talk 6.15pm

Soloist: Alessandro Taverna
Conductor: Andrew Penny MBE

Elgar: Sursum Corda
Rachmaninov: Piano Concert No. 2
Brahms: Symphony No. 3

Malcolm Ruddiforth was a long-time supporter of the Hull Philharmonic and our beautiful venue, and he left a generous bequest both to the orchestra and to the upkeep of the City Hall organ. To celebrate his generosity, we are bringing back two familiar and much-loved artists in a concert drawing on music close to Malcolm’s heart. Our Musical director emeritus, Andrew Penny, returns to the stage with international piano super-star, Alessandro Taverna, who will be performing Rachmaninov’s dazzling Piano Concerto No 2. Andrew has also chosen Elgar’s Sursum Corda to showcase the magnificent organ and will conduct Brahms’ Symphony No 3 to bring our season to a towering conclusion.

Pre-concert talk 6.30pm

Dvořák’s Symphony No.8 with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Conductor: Eduardo Strausser
Violin: Liya Petrova

Schumann: Manfred Overture
Korngold: Violin Concerto
Dvořák: Symphony No.8

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Hull under the baton of conductor Eduardo Strausser for a musical journey across eras and emotions.

The concert opens with Schumann’s dramatic Manfred Overture, drawing inspiration from Lord Byron’s poetry. Let the stirring melodies transport you into the emotional world of the tormented title character.

Next, violin soloist Liya Petrova takes centre stage for Korngold’s Violin Concerto. This 20th century work seamlessly combines lyricism and technical fireworks into a gorgeous Romantic showcase. To close, Dvořák’s treasured Symphony No.8. Overflowing with engaging folk-inspired melodies, the composer’s pride in his Bohemian heritage resonates throughout this warm and majestic symphony.

Pre-concert talk 6.15pm.

Sibelius, Grieg and Bruch with the BBC Philharmonic

Conductor: John Storgårds
Violin: Jennifer Pike

Grieg: Peer Gynt Suite No.1
Bruch: Violin Concerto No.1
Sibelius: Symphony No.3
Sibelius: Karelia Suite

Join the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra for a magical journey through the sweeping landscapes and stirring tales of the Nordic countries, led by the masterful Finnish conductor John Storgårds.

Grieg’s beloved ‘Peer Gynt Suite No.1’ will transport you to the rustic mountainsides of Norway, as you revel in the famous ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’. Then, be swept up in the passion and lyricism of Bruch’s soaring ‘Violin Concerto No. 1’, performed with breath-taking virtuosity by the “simply spectacular” (The Independent) British violinist Jennifer Pike.

The concert closes with two iconic works from Finland’s greatest composer, Jean Sibelius. The mighty Symphony No.3 conjures visions of vast pine forests and icy northern vistas with its thrilling grandeur. And the stirring Karelia Suite evokes the resilient spirit of the Finnish people through majestic brass chorales and folk-inspired melodies.

Pre-concert talk 6.15pm.

Beethoven’s Violin Concerto.
Conductor: Kristian Sallinen
Violin: Inmo Yang

Tarkianien: Joye
Beethoven: Violin Concerto
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5

Spend an evening with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Hull as young Korean violinist Inmo Yang joins the orchestra for Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, a timeless masterpiece that has captivated audiences for centuries. His passionate performance will leave you breathless.

The concert opens with Tarkiainen’s Joye, alluding to the ancient French word meaning “bliss” and “fortune”, it is filled with the elation and recklessness of a moment of intense happiness. Whetting your appetite ahead of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5. The great symphonic soundscapes of Tchaikovsky’s orchestral music is closely tied to the theme of ‘Fate’, and the full emotional weight of this motif is heard at its strongest in his Symphony No.5. It displays Tchaikovsky’s brilliant orchestration and his ability to weave in the folk songs of his homeland, culminating with the ultimate triumph of hope in the explosive final movement of the symphony.

Pre-concert talk 6.15pm.