Brief Encounters

Stories of real life chance encounters, inspired by the 75th anniversary of the much-loved film Brief Encounter. Introduced by Matthew Sweet.

Using different recordings of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 - which famously underscores the 1945 film - Between the Ears reflects on how a chance meeting can change our lives forever.

In the 1950s two people bump into each other changing trains at Harrow-on-the-Hill station. In 2001, two strangers meet on a train bound for Edinburgh. In 2014 two paths cross in a departure lounge at Toronto Airport. Meanwhile, a few Christmases ago in a pub in Margate eyes meet across a crowded bar.

For each person, for good or ill, life will never be the same again. Between the Ears tells their stories, set to Rachmaninov's haunting music.

Producer: Laurence Grissell

Sound mixed by Donald MacDonald

Featuring the voices of:

Barry and Maureen Leveton Anna Nation Kähler Kristen Adamson Aoife Hanna

Featuring the following recordings of Rachmaninov, Piano Concerto No. 2:

Krystian Zimerman, Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Seiji Ozawa Leif Ove Andsnes, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Antonio Pappano Vladimir Ashkenazy, London Symphony Orchestra conducted by André Previn John Ogdon, Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by John Pritchard