When Elgar’s First Symphony received its premiere in 1908, Britain was languishing in a severe economic depression. Further afield, the once resplendent uniform of the British Empire seemed faded and tattered. Some believed the symphony as a concept had had its day. Elgar thought passionately otherwise, but clearly doubted whether he was up to the task of proving it. He needn’t have worried. His First Symphony was a piece fuelled by love, hope and optimism that seemed to render all the social contexts and musicological arguments irrelevant. It remains one of the most courageous and uplifting orchestral creations this country has produced, and is played here after Korngold’s swashbuckling Violin Concerto. Programme: JTI Friday Series Nicolai Overture, The Merry Wives of Windsor Korngold Violin Concerto Elgar Symphony No. 1 Osmo Vänskä: conductor Hyeyoon Park: violin Tickets are non-refundable and exchangeable. Best available seating will be allocated.