Tchaikovsky's Symphony No.5

Once upon a time...Russia was always a land of storytellers.

Why would its composers be any different? Today Ryan Wigglesworth opens that storybook and shares what comes out.

There’s a witch in a hut with hen’s legs, and a lake that might harbour supernatural beings, or a whole lost city (anything’s possible in the magical sound-world of Prokofiev’s teacher Anatoly Lyadov).

Things take a turn for the macabre and Death rides a general’s horse, as soprano Sophie Bevan sings Mussorgsky’s blackly comic songs.

And then it’s over to Tchaikovsky, and a symphony of sorrow, joy and simply glorious melodies. “With desire and passion” wrote Tchaikovsky on the score of his Fifth Symphony, and you’re about to hear why.TICKETS: £16.00 to £34.00 (venue fees apply).£6 tickets for Students and Under 26s★Book three or four BBC SSO concerts at the Usher Hall (excluding Christmas at the Movies) and receive up to 30% discount.