As Napoleon's troops laid siege to the city, Ludwig van Beethoven composed his Emperor Concerto. Beethoven himself never referred to his Piano Concerto No. 5 as such, but the moment you hear it, you'll understand where the nickname came from. The piece is grand, heroic and majestic - qualities that pianist Lucas Jussen, celebrated for his Beethoven interpretations, will bring to life for us tonight. It makes for a striking contrast to the second half of the evening: Walton's bold and dramatic Symphony No. 1.

Marked by the composer to be played 'presto, con malizia' ('fast, with malice'), William Walton's Symphony No. 1 is turbulent, restless and at times mournful, but culminates in triumphant determination. It was utterly groundbreaking for its time. Walton forged a bridge from Romanticism to Modernism, making for an electrifying pairing with Beethoven, another visionary whose music straddled musical eras. Pianist Lucas Jussen, in demand worldwide, will take to the stage tonight alongside our regular guest conductor Richard Egarr.