The programme features a concerto by Richard Strauss and a Mozart symphony: the common bond being that both pieces were composed towards the end of their lives. Strauss' oboe concerto dates from 1945: a period in his life often referred to as his Indian summer. The flowing and lyrical melody lines are perfectly suited to the oboe and are supported by a small orchestra of strings and woodwind.

Mozart's Symphony No. 39 is the first of a set of three (his final symphonies), composed in 1788 over six weeks during the summer of that year. The grandeur of the piece shows Mozart at the height of his powers. The concert will end with an orchestral arrangement of several well known Gershwin songs.