BBC Proms 2026: Rachmaninov’s ‘Paganini’ Variations

On August 3, the Royal Albert Hall will host a BBC Proms 2026 concert featuring pianist Kirill Gerstein and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra conducted by Thomas Søndergård. The programme centres on Rachmaninov’s dazzling Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini — a virtuosic set of variations filled with drama, brilliance and lyrical beauty. The second half features Shostakovich’s monumental Symphony No. 11, The Year 1905 , a powerful musical portrait of the First Russian Revolution marked by tension, grief and explosive orchestral force. The evening opens with Oliver Knussen’s sparkling fanfare Flourish with Fireworks . For more information and tickets click on ‘buy ticket’.