Beethoven, Haydn and Schumann

Symphonies didn’t really come naturally to Robert Schumann, but love-songs did and, with its quiet poetry, joyous sunbursts and coded messages to his beloved wife Clara, his Second Symphony might just be the finest he ever wrote. It’s the exuberantly happy ending to a concert that begins with Beethoven’s mighty musical drama of courage, struggle and freedom – the soul-stirring Overture Leonore No.3. Then RPO favourite Zlatomir Fung brings all his brilliance, grace and wit to Joseph “Papa” Haydn’s perfectly-cut jewel of a cello concerto. We warmly welcome back conductor Shiyeon Sung, who has been described as “a real trailblazer”; together with Beethoven, Haydn, Schumann and the full RPO, she promises to bring pure sunshine to a February night in the heart of Chelsea.