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Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony from Lucerne

Mark Forrest showcases superb performances from the UK and beyond, including pianist Alexander Malofeev playing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

Mark Forrest showcases superb performances from the UK and beyond.

Visits to two of the world’s leading classical music festivals form the bedrock of Classical Live this week: the Edinburgh International Festival and Lucerne Festival in the heart of Switzerland. From the banks of Lake Lucerne today, pianist Alexander Malofeev plays Gershwin’s famous Rhapsody in Blue, and Michael Sanderling conducts Tchaikovsky’s beloved Symphony No. 5. In Edinburgh, Alessio Bax joins four players from the Berlin Philharmonic for the Piano Quintet by Czech composer Zdenek Fibich. And we return once more to the International Sacred Music Festival in Fribourg, Switzerland, for more from French ensemble Les Kapsber’girls concert exploring the work of Italian Baroque women composers.

From Lucerne Festival 2026:
George Gershwin
Rhapsody in Blue
Alexander Malofeev (piano)
Lucerne Symphony Orchestra
Michael Sanderling (conductor)

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64
Lucerne Symphony Orchestra
Michael Sanderling (conductor)

From the 2026 International Sacred Music Festival, Fribourg:
Johannes Hieronymous Kapsberger
Gagliarda quarta

Barbara Strozzi
Godere e tacere

Antonia Bemba
Amor mio, facciam la pace
Les Kapsber’girls

From the Edinburgh International Festival 2026:
Zdenek Fibich
Quintet in D major, Op. 42
Alessio Bax (piano)
Members of the Berlin Philharmonic

Joseph Haydn
Double Concerto for Violin and Organ in F, Hob XVIII:6
Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra
Florin Iliescu (violin)
Ton Koopman (organ)

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27 days left to listen

3 hours

Music Played

  • George Gershwin

    Rhapsody in Blue

    Performer: Alexander Malofeev. Orchestra: Lucerne Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Michael Sanderling.
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

    String Quintet in D, K 593

    Orchestra: Nash Ensemble.
  • Béla Bartók

    For Children (selection)

    Performer: Olli Mustonen.
  • Pyotr Tchaikovsky

    Symphony No 5

    Orchestra: Lucerne Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Michael Sanderling.
  • Johannes Hieronymus Kapsberger

    Gagliarda quarta

    Ensemble: The Kapsber'girls. Director: Albane Imbs.
    • CHRTS.
  • Barbara Strozzi

    Godere a tacere

    Ensemble: The Kapsber'girls. Director: Albane Imbs.
    • CHRTS.
  • Antonia Bembo

    Amor mio, facciam la pace

    Ensemble: The Kapsber'girls. Director: Albane Imbs.
  • Zdenek Fibich

    Quintet in D, Op 42

    Ensemble: Members of the Berlin Philharmonic.
  • Mel Bonis

    Suite en forme de valse (2nd mvt)

    Orchestra: WDR Symphony Orchestra, Cologne. Conductor: Joseph Bastian.
    • Bonis: Orchestral Works.
    • CPO.
    • 108.
  • Joseph Haydn

    Double Concerto for violin and organ in F

    Performer: Florin Iliescu. Orchestra: Frankfurt Radio Symphony. Conductor: Ton Koopman.

Broadcast

  • Friday13:00