SCO Principal Conductor Joseph Swensen is the soloist in both Violin Concerto No. 2 and the 5 melodies. The melodies have been orchestrated by Swensen himself.

Joseph Swensen writes: "The Five Melodies had been among my favourite works by Prokofiev for many years before I chose to orchestrate them. The original accompaniment is among the most colourful of the composer's works for the piano and it was precisely the element of colour which intrigued me most in my orchestration. Limiting myself to strings, and to only the notes of Prokofiev's original piano part, my intention was that this version be but a subtle evolution of Prokofiev's original. Use of harmonics, pizzicato, and blurring effects are inspired by what a truly great pianist may attempt on his instrument, but only allude to. The obvious influence of Debussy in Prokofiev's original has resulted in an orchestral sound which seems equally indebted to the great French composer."