From Ulster Hall in Belfast, Ulster Orchestra under Rafael Payare. Prokofiev: Symphony No 1. Bruch: Violin Concerto No 1 (soloist: Sergey Khachatryan). Tchaikovsky: Symphony No 3.

Recorded on December 2nd at Ulster Hall, Belfast, and presented by John Toal.

The Ulster Orchestra play Prokofiev, Bruch and Tchaikovsky.

Prokofiev: Symphony No. 1, Op.25 'Classical'

Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op.26

8.15: During the Interval.John Toal speaks to tonight's soloist, Sergey Khachatryan.

8.35: Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.3 in D, 'Polish'

Sergey Khachatryan, violin

Ulster Orchestra

Rafael Payare, conductor

Prokofiev's 'Classical' Symphony No. 1 was written between 1916 and 1917 alongside his First Violin Concerto. The piece shows the influence of Haydn's symphonic writing - a revelation to the young composer who had graduated from the St. Petersburg Conservatory only a few years previously in 1914.

Bruch's First Violin Concerto, written in 1866, has become one of the most performed violin concertos in the repertoire. Three movements played without a break, with its strong melodies drawing audiences in, the concerto became Bruch's most popular piece. It is performed here by the Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan.

Tchaikovsky's five-movement Third Symphony is his only symphony written in the major key and is brim-full with exuberant optimism - a terrific showcase for the composer's famed gift for great tunes.