Event Details

An NCPA Presentation

Mendelssohn: “Italian” Symphony

Dr. Cavas Bilimoria’s talks this month are specially designed to familiarise attendees with the music being performed at the SOI Autumn 2026 season. The second talk in the series will focus on Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony. Mendelssohn began composing this symphony, the most popular among all his five symphonies for full orchestra, in 1830 during a long holiday in Italy. He tried to capture in musical form, the sights, smells and emotions inspired by his Italian adventure. It is among the most brilliant music he ever composed. And yet, not satisfied with it, he did not allow it to be published in his lifetime. He completely revised the second, third and fourth movements but died at the age of 38 before he could revise the first movement. When it was published in 1851, four years after his death, it immediately became popular and has remained one of the best loved symphonies in the entire symphonic repertoire.

Entry free on a first come, first served basis.