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Details
St John's Smith Square
Smith Square
City of Westminster
London
SW1P 3HA
England
Tickets
Prices: £15-£30
Booking line: 20 7730 4500
Programme
George Frideric Handel – Zadok the Priest, HWV 258
Joseph Haydn – Cello Concerto no.1 in C major, Hob.VIIb:1
~ Interval ~
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Requiem in D minor, K.626
Performers
Rimma Sushanskaya – Conductor
Philipp Schupelius – Cello
Programme Note
Join us for the final concert of our 2025 season: Mozart – The Late, Great Symphonies.
Handel’s Zadok the Priest is one of the most iconic and enduring pieces of ceremonial music. Composed in 1727 for the coronation of King George II, it has been performed at every British coronation since. Opening with a slow, suspenseful orchestral build-up, the piece erupts into a triumphant choral entry, exuding grandeur and majesty. Its stirring harmonies and uplifting energy have made it a favourite far beyond royal occasions, influencing everything from film scores to football anthems. A true masterpiece, Zadok the Priest remains a timeless symbol of regal splendour and musical brilliance.
Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C major is a dazzling showcase of virtuosity and lyricism. Composed in the early 1760s for Esterházy court cellist Joseph Weigl, the work was long thought lost until its rediscovery in 1961. The concerto blends Baroque elegance with Classical clarity, featuring a radiant first movement, a beautifully expressive Adagio, and a spirited finale full of joyful energy. Demanding both technical brilliance and expressive warmth from the soloist, it remains one of the most beloved works in the cello repertoire and a shining example of Haydn’s inventiveness and mastery of form.
Mozart’s Requiem is one of the most powerful and enigmatic works in classical music. Left unfinished at his death in 1791, it was later completed by his student Franz Xaver Süssmayr. Shrouded in mystery and legend, the Requiem is an awe-inspiring fusion of dramatic intensity and profound spirituality. From the haunting Introitus to the thunderous Dies Irae and the serene Lacrimosa, it captures the full spectrum of human emotion. Whether heard as Mozart’s own farewell or as a timeless meditation on life and death, the Requiem remains one of the most moving choral works ever composed.
Philipp Schupelius is an award-winning cellist who has captivated audiences across Europe as a soloist and chamber musician. Winner of the 2023 German Music Competition, he has performed at Festival Radio France, the London Cello Society, and the 50th anniversary tribute to Pablo Casals in Bonn. He has won numerous accolades, including the ICMA Discovery Award, Fanny Mendelssohn Prize, and Silver Medal at Eurovision Young Musicians. A student of Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, he has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie, and with orchestras across Europe. Since 2022, he has studied at Kronberg Academy, supported by the Sodalitas patronage.
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening in the intimate setting of Sinfonia Smith Square, where every seat in the stalls offers a perfect view. Previous concerts have sold out quickly—secure your tickets today!
We are delighted to offer Classical Events visitors a 30% discount. Simply use the promo code Requiem30 when purchasing tickets on the concert hall website.
Explore the full lineup of our 2025 concert season here: https://sites.google.com/view/nso-concerts
Secure your tickets now and experience the brilliance of Mozart, Haydn and Handel live!
Note: This venue is now called Sinfonia Smith Square, formerly known as St John’s Smith Square.
