The BBC Philharmonic ushers in the warmer months with Spring, the Sweet Spring at The Bridgewater Hall

On Sat 18 May, the BBC Philharmonic celebrates a world in bloom at the height of springtime with a joyous, energetic programme full of natural revival and verdant delight, featuring works by Stravinsky, Shostakovich and Bridge.

Overflowing with barbaric abandon, Stravinsky’s convulsive ballet The Rite of Spring transforms the orchestra into a primal ensemble, welcoming the equinox of rebirth with a riotous, ritualistic exorcism of the Siberian winter, as the BBC Philharmonic masterfully recreates the piece which caused a riot at its Paris premiere in 1913. Shostakovich’s Third Symphony restores a semblance of order with a regimented, processional work of triumphant marches, building into a vibrant, euphoric chorus, before Frank Bridge garnishes his springtime vision of the Elysian English countryside with lashes of vivid colour in Enter Spring, widely known as one of the best British tone poems of the 20th century.

Spring, the Sweet Spring also celebrates the 100th birthday of the BBC Philharmonic’s former Chief Conductor, Sir Edward Downes, whose lifelong love of Russian music is honoured in a dazzling programme of rejuvenating masterworks.

Book your tickets here.