“Life-assertion” was how Béla Bartók described the dazzling finish of his ‘Concerto for Orchestra’ – even though he might already have known that he wouldn’t live to complete it. Yes: it’s one of the 20th century’s most brilliant orchestral showpieces, drenched in the rhythms and colours of Bartók’s native Hungary. It’s also a stirring testimony to the human spirit, every bit as passionate – and as moving – as Brahms’s mighty First Piano Concerto. This is Brahms without the famous beard, the heartfelt music of a young genius who’d known personal tragedy and impossible love. And few living pianists can approach the great Elisabeth Leonskaja for power, poetry or simple humanity.

Prelude: 6.45pm in the Recital Room
Thomas Dausgaard looks back at the BBC SSO’s 2018/19 Season and introduces the final concert (free to ticket-holders, subject to seating availability).

The concert will be recorded for future broadcast on BBC Radio 3.