From the BBC Proms! Thomas Søndergård leads the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in Shostakovich’s powerful Eleventh Symphony. Also on this program, Kirill Gerstein is the soloist in Rachmaninov’s glittering Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Oliver Knussen pays tribute to Stravinsky in his Flourish with Fireworks. 

Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero brings out all the Technicolor glory of Ottorino Respighi’s vivid Roman postcards, Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome. The program also includes Stravinsky’s ballet Petrushka and Kaija Saariaho’s astronomical Asteroid 4179: Toutatis. (Part of the WFMT Orchestra Series)

We are excited to welcome Peter van de Graaff as the new host for Exploring Music beginning August 24. The trumpet takes center stage this week on Exploring Music as Peter follows its story, which stretches back thousands of years and spans many cultures. We’ll listen to the Shofar, a ram’s horn from biblical times, and the ancient trumpets found in Tutankhamun's tomb; and savor the modern trumpet’s bright sound in music by Bach and Vivaldi, and in the rich and complex symphonic music of Mahler, Ravel, and Stravinsky. Join Peter weeknights at 7 pm.