Half Six Fix: Vaughan Williams

The evening

Kick-start your evening with a 60-minute Half Six Fix concert. Introduced by the performers, with screens in the hall to bring you closer to the action.

Inspired by folk melodies, Vaughan Williams’ work was instrumental during the turn of the 20th century, establishing a distinct voice for British classical music. He began writing his third symphony while working as an ambulance cartman in World War I. Despite its tranquil exterior, he thought of the symphony as ‘Wartime music’.

A Pastoral Symphony is paired with Vaughan Williams’ optimistic Symphony No 8. One of the composer’s most loved compositions, the piece is praised for its playful scherzo, melodic cavatina and triumphant finale.