主播大秀

Conductor Nicholas Collon opens with the refreshing youthfulness of Britten's Les Illuminations, written by the then 25-year-old for the Swiss-born soprano, Sophie Wyss, who had settled in England. Today, soprano Mary Bevan gives a dazzling demonstration of Britten鈥檚 poetic song cycle.

Expect a roof-raising finish to this afternoon鈥檚 programme with Shostakovich's Fifth - one of the most political pieces of music ever written. Receiving an ovation that lasted well over half an hour at its premiere in 1937, this is music that demands to be heard: angry, heartfelt, and utterly compelling.

This concert is a live broadcast for 主播大秀 Radio 3.