The Edinburgh City Orchestra, and conductor Peter Le Tissier, return to Edinburgh's St. Giles' Cathedral to present two works of intrigue, mystery, and powerful expression.

Elgar's first major international success, the Enigma variations were first performed in 1899 under the composer's baton, before achieving international success within a few short years. A piece deeply layered with meaning, Elgar's theme-and-variations are, ostensibly, a portrait of the composer's 'friends pictured within'. Indeed, the title of each variation bears the initials of the person to whom it is dedicated, with whimsical characteristic reflected musically (the haughty laugh of a friend, the aggressive playing of an amateur pianist); but on a deeper level Elgar referred to the work as hiding a "dark saying" under the surface. The "enigma" of the popular title refers to Elgar's cryptic clue that the true theme of the work "goes, but is not played" and has led to many years of speculation as to the "true theme". Answers have included Auld Lang Syne, themes from the operas of Mozart, or even a non-musical "idea" that connects the work.

Whatever the solution to the riddle, the music has become iconic of a reawakening of British composition internationally - the dark, ominous opening theme contrasts with themes of bombast, heartfelt melodies (including the famous Nimrod theme) and finishing with a bombastic depiction the composer dedicated to himself.

After the break, we perform one of Tchaikovksy's best-known and most deeply heartfelt romantic works - the 5th Symphony, in E Minor. Connected by a common theme across all four movements, the symphony is a work of extreme expressive clarity and, in true Tchaikovskian fashion, bounces between deep sorrow and bombastic joy. An opening movement prefaced with doleful clarinets sparks into energetic life with themes of various romantic, dance-like characters through to brassy, energetic wildness.

The second movement is famous for its extensive horn solo. Tchaikovsky is at his most heartfelt in this passionate movement that reaches truly grand climaxes. The third movement, a waltz very much in the style of Tchaikovsky's ballets Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, provides a welcome break before the grand, overwhelming and optimistic finale to the work.

Do be sure to secure your ticket to this special event fast, as numbers are limited. We hope to see you at the performance!

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