Shostakovich and Brahms, Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Festival Hall

Here's a chance to introduce yourself, or your young, to a very exciting musician. Xian Zhang is one of the musical pioneers helping the next generation to grow up knowing that conducting is not an exclusively male activity.

Born in China, resident in the US, and with two sons to keep her on her toes, Xian Zhang is principal conductor of Proms regulars, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and last year her role as director of music director of the important New Jersey Symphony Orchestra was extended until 2024.

You can catch Xian Zhang in action at this Philharmonia Orchestra concert featuring two audience favourites.


The violins of the Philharmonia Orchestra. Photo: Camilla Greenwell

Russian-born German violinist Alina Pogostkina is the soloist in Brahms's exciting and only Violin Concerto, composed in 1878 and dedicated to the composer's friend, the virtuoso Joseph Joachim.

In the second half of the concert is Shostakovich's dramatic Fifth Symphony, first performed in 1937, when the ovation lasted half an hour. Listen out for musical influences and references, both jazzy and classical, such as a reference to the opera Carmen.

And there's even a 'free gift' for Mothering Sunday. Before the symphony concert, at 6PM, the Philharmonia Chamber Players give a free concert, featuring Nico Muhly's Clear Music and Chausson's String Quartet in C minor, Op.35. No need to book: just walk in. Click here for more details.