BBC Radio 3 Classical Live

Jessie Montgomery Starburst (4′)
Weber Konzertstück in F minor, Op. 79 (18′)*
Mozart Symphony No.39 in E Flat Major, K. 543 (30′)

Michael McHale, piano*
Michael Collins, conductor
Presented by John Toal

Join BBC Radio 3 for a FREE invitation concert with the Ulster Orchestra in the Ulster Hall on the 27 November 2025 with moments designed to take you out of this world!

The programme begins with a work by the Grammy-winning composer Jessie Montgomery, who hails from New York’s Lower East Side. Renowned for her socially inspired and richly layered music, Starburst, written in 2012 for string orchestra, radiates energy and colour. It clearly portrays the rapid formation of large groups of stars in the galaxy, with its use of gesture and compositional approach.

There’s a distinct programme to the next work: Weber’s Konzertstück in F minor, Op. 79. Completed on the morning of the premier of his opera Der Freischütz, on 18 June 1821, Weber’s called it a “Concert Piece” rather than a concerto, because of it’s programmatic content: a lady in a tower, a Knight, tangible fear and triumphant love. Cast in 4 movements, played without a break, the piano is used to brilliant effect, incluidng some blazing glissandi, offering listeners a mix of lyricisim and bravura. The Belfast pianist Michael McHale will be at the keyboard for his performance.

The concert ends with Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 – the first in his final trilogy of symphonies, written in the summer of 1788, just 3 years before his death. Yet, despite their colour, innovation and impact, Mozart was experiencing huge personal struggles at the time. He was financially broke and his popularity had dropped, with much fewer commissions and performance opportunities. Expect some wonderful craftmanship from this symphony, with personality changes, superb dynamic subtlelty and rich writing for the winds across its 4 movements.

The Ulster Orchestra’s Principal Guest Artist, Michael Collins conducts.