Prokofiev Symphony No.1 Classical Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 Turkish Beethoven Symphony No.1 MICHAEL COLLINS CONDUCTOR SAYAKA SHOJI VIOLIN All the poise, elegance and grace of the Classical period is in this concert – on the surface. But each piece shows its composer in an inventive mood, pushing the boundaries of what was expected and creating something new. Prokofiev imagined how Mozart or Haydn might write in the 1920s and produced his charming First Symphony. Mozart used his Fifth Violin Concerto to play with tempo and style, creating his most brilliant, lyrical and witty writing for the instrument. And Beethoven’s First Symphony contains all the clues required to understand that this was no ordinary composer – he would take the symphony to somewhere entirely new. Michael Collins: Our New Principal Guest Artist We’re delighted that Michael Collins is joining us as Principal Guest Artist. Michael’s talents as both clarinettist and conductor will be on show across the next three seasons at the Ulster Hall, and as part of our regional and BBC broadcast activities. We’ve developed a close musical relationship with Michael over the last few seasons and are excited to see how this will develop, given Michael’s extraordinary musicality and the connection with our players.