Donald Runnicles conducts Brahms 2 at Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Brahms’ Second Symphony is packed with sweeping emotions and lyrical tunes, expertly realised by Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles.

Brahms was a perfectionist, and it took him almost fifteen years to write his first symphony.

After this premiered to critical acclaim, his Second Symphony took less than a year to complete, bursting out in all its colour and glory. From the lush, pastoral landscape of the opening movement to the grand, triumphant finale, every moment is packed with sweeping emotions and lyrical tunes. Glanert’s Idyllium is inspired by Brahms’ music and pays homage to the great Romantic composer.

Schumann’s Piano Concerto is one of the most beautiful of all piano concertos, filled with dreamy melodies and tender music. Noted by The Australian for her “melting lyricism” and “spirited eloquence”, Australian pianist Andrea Lam is the perfect choice to capture the romantic spirit of Schumann’s concerto.

The full expressive power of the Orchestra is drawn out in these works, led by our Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles.