BBC Symphony Orchestra from Seoul

The BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sakari Oramo on tour from Seoul plays Strauss's Don Juan, Sibelius's Symphony No.2, and Britten's Piano Concerto with soloist Yeol Eum Son.

Recorded at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Centre on 24th and 25th March 2026. Presented by Petroc Trelawny.

Richard Strauss: Don Juan op.20
Benjamin Britten: Piano Concerto (rev 1945) op 13*

Interval
Petroc talks to the South Korean associate leader of the BBC Symphony Orchestra Cellerina Park; and a chance to hear some traditional Korean instruments.

Jean Sibelius: Symphony No 2 in D major

Yeol Eum Son (Piano)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)

South Korean pianist Yeol Eum Son joins the BBC Symphony Orchestra on tour in her home country in Benjamin Britten’s Piano Concerto, premiered by the composer at the BBC Proms in 1938. The perfect work to show the scope of her playing, the concerto displays all the brilliant virtuosity and sardonic wit of Britten's precocious early music. Great Sibelius interpreter Sakari Oramo completes the concert with Sibelius's Symphony No. 2 the work that first put the composer on the map, and a piece written in the summer climes of Italy. First, hold on to your hats as proceedings launch with the young Richard Strauss's tone-poem Don Juan, a tale of the infamous libertine of its title, with its dashing colours and vivid characterisation.