The St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra are one of the classical world’s most popular touring ensembles, bringing an inimitable style and character to their performances under the direction of Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Yuri Temirkanov. This recording presents works from two very different composers, united through their mastery of orchestral colouring and evocative imagery: Khachaturian’s Spartacus and Gayane suites are infused with enchanting rmenian influences, and enjoyed a deserved popularity with Russian audiences that helped protect him from the worst of widespread artistic suppression during that era. Following these, one of the jewels of orchestral repertoire, Ravel’s Dahpnis et Chloe, was composed for Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes and has remained a popular work to this day.

Khachaturian Spartacus - Variation of Aegina and Bacchanalia, Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia, Scene and Dance with Crotala, Dance of the Gaditanae/Victory of Spartacus Khachaturian Gayane Suite - Ayesha’s Dance, Dance of the Rose Maidens, Lullaby, Dance of the Young Kurds, Lezghinka, Sabre Dance Ravel Daphnis et Chloe Suite No 2