Wednesday 15, Thursday 16* and Sunday 19 November 2006, 7.30pm

Wagner Overture: Rienzi 12'
Sibelius Symphony No.5 in E flat  31'
Beethoven Violin Concerto in D 43'

Mark Wigglesworth conductor • Akiko Suwanai violin

The thrilling finale of Sibelius's Fifth Symphony – with majestic brass instruments ringing out in crashing chords – is as earth-shattering, to one writer, as 'Thor swinging his hammer'. Beethoven was one of the Finnish composer's heroes and tonight the youngest-ever winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition, the 'sweet-toned and technically formidable' Akiko Suwanai makes her Hallé debut in his beautiful Violin Concerto. Wagner wanted to 'outdo all previous operas with sumptuous extravagance' in his early politically charged opera Rienzi and its dramatic overture has remained a concert favourite.

Wednesday 15 November - BUY ONLINE
Thursday 16 November - BUY ONLINE
Sunday 19 November - BUY ONLINE

* The Hallé Family of Sponsors Concert