Royal Northern Sinfonia - Prokofiev and Mendelssohn

7:30PM, Thursday, March 05, 2026

Venue: Darlington Hippodrome

Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony Spiky. Zesty. Grand Scottish vistas Anna Clyne «rewind« Sergei Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2 Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 3 ‘Scottish’ Nil Venditti conductor Maria Włoszczowska violin Royal Northern Sinfonia Who’s on stage Our wonderful Royal Northern Sinfonia plus violinist Maria Włoszczowska and Guest Principal Conductor Nil Venditti. What they’re playing Two very different pieces by two very different composers: Sergei Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 and Felix Mendelssohn’s ‘Scottish’ Symphony. Somehow the specialness of each is amplified by being placed next to each other What's happening in the music? Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto takes you by the hand and leads you on a journey that’s full of unexpected twists and turns. It’s full of the composer’s unpredictable and acidic style, and its mood changes without warning; one moment it’s cheeky, then it’s challenging and aggressive, then perhaps sentimental and schmaltzy. It keeps everyone – audience and musician – on their toes. Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony captures the awe of viewing the majestic Scottish landscape perfectly. Close your eyes and you can see the craggy mountains, peer through the fog or spot the deer in the midst of an awe-inspiring glen. Breathtaking. This evening will feature a brand-new piece created by Darlo Creates participants.