Radio 3 in Concert: Elgar and Rachmaninov from the Hallé

Tom McKinney presents from Manchester's Bridgewater Hall as conductor Kahchun Wong and the Hallé launch their new season with a concert including music by Shostakovich, Elgar and Rachmaninov. Rachel Helleur-Simcock joins as soloist for Elgar's Cello Concerto, which was written in the aftermath of the First World War and is a cornerstone of the instrument's repertoire. The composer's last completed work is deeply emotional - never more so than in the heart-rending adagio third movement and remains among the Elgar's most celebrated and well-loved works. In striking contrast, the orchestra also perform Shostakovich's Festive Overture and Rachmaninov's exuberant Symphony No 2. Shostakovich: Festive Overture. Elgar: Cello Concerto. Rachmaninov: Symphony No 2. Rachel Helleur-Simcock (cello), Hallé Orchestra, Kahchun Wong (conductor)