The relationship between classical music and folk traditions from everywhere in the world is nothing new and is brilliantly demonstrated in this concert conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. In his cycle of Bachianas Brasileiras, Villa-Lobos blends contrapuntal writing in the style of Bach with rich and passionate folk colours and rhythms. Himself a composer, Tilson Thomas and guest soprano Measha Brueggergosman bring the ironic and sarcastic overtones of poet Emily Dickinson to life. Drawing substantially from Russian and Ukrainian folk music, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 2 concludes with a mix of reverie and expansive lyricism.