An irresistible concert will be broadcast live from Royal Albert Hall thanks to the soloists of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. We will first listen to the famous pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja who returns to the BBC Proms Festival after a thirty-year absence. Diligent, bursting with passion and a remarkable intelligence, Sviatoslav Richter's student is considered to be one of the jewels shining in the art of playing the piano of all times; in London, Elisabeth Leonskaja will interpret the majestic Concert No. 22 in E flat major written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart simultaneously with The Marriage of Figaro opera.

At the stand there will be a high-calibre artist, Charles Dutois - Artistic Director of the London Royal Philharmonic Opera. We cannot wait to listen to him conducting one of the most complex pages of Dmitri Shostakovich's compositions, The Symphony No. 9, an opus haunted by memories/quotes, through which the meanings of the Russian composer's unadulterated swan song are being contoured. Elisabeth Leonskaja and Charles Dutois' profound and stirring sensitivities will undoubtedly create a memorable moment at the 45^th concert of the BBC Proms Festival.

I invite you all to listen to the live broadcast on The European Stage on Wednesday, 19^th August, starting at 21:30.