University Symphony Orchestra

The Prelude from Wagner’s groundbreaking opera Tristan und Isolde introduces the famous ‘Tristan chord’, an unusual dissonance that remains unresolved until the work’s closing Liebestod when Isolde discovers Tristan is dead and contemplates consummating their love after death. Strauss composed his Festival Prelude in 1913 for the inauguration of the organ in the Great Hall of the Konzerthaus in Vienna which was at this time the largest instrument of its kind. Commissioned by the Icelandic ensemble Nordic Affect, María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir’s 2020 orchestral work, Clockworking, explores the relationship between humans and machines through the inclusion of an old work song and hypnotic musical effects. The programme also includes Sibelius’ highly virtuosic Violin Concerto – the only concerto the Finnish composer ever wrote – performed by third-year student Anna Lezdkan.

Anna Lezdkan violin John Stringer conductor

María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir Clockworking Sibelius Violin Concerto Wagner Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde Strauss Festival Prelude