A Sea Symphony by Beethoven, Vaughan Williams, Od (2014/2014), Dirigent Andrew Manze, City Halls, Glasgow, United Kingdom

A ringing fanfare, a shout of acclamation, and a mighty swell of sound: A Sea Symphony took the traditions of British oratorio and opened the floodgates to a spring tide of inspiration. This isn't just an epic choral seascape; for Vaughan Williams, Walt Whitman's poetry offered limitless imaginative vistas. Andrew Manze's BBC SSO Vaughan Williams cycle has been described as "a huge affirmation of Vaughan Williams' symphonic achievement"; now, in the company of the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and two compelling young British singers, what more stirring way to end both the cycle and our season than at the beginning? And don't forget Steven Osborne's Beethoven piano concerto cycle which continues with the bold and brilliant First. Prelude: 6.45pm in the Recital Room (free to ticket-holders, limited seating availability) Associate Guest Conductor Andrew Manze reflects on the BBC SSO's complete Vaughan Williams symphony cycle. There will be no coda after this concert. The concert will be recorded for future on BBC Radio 3.