An authority on Stravinsky, Sir Simon Rattle celebrates three of the composer’s revolutionary ballets. Stravinsky sent shockwaves through classical music in the 20th century. His first three ballets – The Firebird, Petrushka and The Rite of Spring, all composed between 1911 and 1913 – brought a new and frenzied sense of rhythm, so distressing to audiences that it caused uproar; The Rite of Spring even caused a riot. And it’s not hard to see why. Is there any moment in music more demonic than the opening to The Firebird, a terrifying rumble of strings that would make Jaws tremble? There are few pieces more unsettling than The Rite of Spring with ist carnal, tribal rhythms; or Petrushka with ist impish Punch and Judy puppets. Sir Simon Rattle brings these three creations to life in this dramatic programme. PROGRAM STRAVINSKY The Firebird (original ballet), Petrushka (1947 version), The Rite of Spring
LSO: Roth conducts Bruckner, Debussy & Bartók
Francois-Xavier Roth conducts the LSO in Debussy’s evocative Prelude a l’apres-midi d’un faune, alongside Bartok’s Viola Concerto with Anton Tamestit and Bruckner’s Symphony No.4, filled to te brim with evocative images of love, nature and a simpler time. PROGRAM Debussy: Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune; Bartók: Viola Concerto; Bruckner: Symphony No 4
LSO: Rattle conducts Mahler & Turnage
Sir Simon Rattle and the LSO give the world premiere of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Remembering. The work is written in memory of Evan Scofield, the son of guitarist John Scofield, with whom Turnage worked closely. The premiere is coupled with Mahler’s Sixth Symphony; a disturbing in its nihilistic despair yet attains a true and monumental grandeur. PROGRAM Turnage: Remembering ‘In Memoriam Evan Scofield’; Mahler: Symphony No 6
LSO: Noseda conducts Verdi: Requiem
Gianandrea Noseda gathers together an outstanding cast of Italian stars for this searing performance of Verdi’s Requiem. PROGRAM Verdi: Requiem
LSO: Gergiev conducts Brahms: German Requiem
Conductor Valery Gergiev and the London Symphony Orchestra present Johannes Brahms’ greatest choral work, the German Requiem, featuring soprano Sally Matthews and baritone Christopher Maltman. PROGRAM Brahms: German Requiem
LSO: Gergiev conducts Berlioz: Roméo et Juliette
In this groundbreaking take on William Shakespeare’s bittersweet tragedy, Hector Berlioz combines the playwright’s influence with all the musical drama of Ludwig van Beethoven’s symphonies. PROGRAM Berlioz: Romeo et Juliette, Overture: Benvenuto Cellini
LSO: Gergiev conducts Brahms 4 & Szymanowski 4
Conductor Valery Gergiev leads the London Symphony Orchestra in a stunning interpretation of Johannes Brahms’ fourth and final symphony that showcases the composer’s architectural musical skill. PROGRAM Brahms: Symphony No 4; Szymanowski: Symphony No 4
LSO: Gergiev conducts Brahms 3 & Szymanowski 3
Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 is considered to mark a new level and stage of maturity, and is performed here alongside his first orchestral piece Variations on a Theme of Haydn. Completing the program is Szymanowski’s Third Symphony, which was written during his second Franco-Arab period and sees tenor Toby Spence take to the stage. PROGRAM Brahms: Symphony No 3, Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Szymanowski: Symphony No 3
LSO: Gergiev conducts Brahms 2 & Szymanowski 2
Presented alongside his Tragic Overture, Johannes Brahms’ relaxed Symphony No. 2, improvisatory in nature with a fuller orchestral sonority, is paired with Karol Szymanowski’s own second symphony. PROGRAM Brahms: Tragic Overture, Symphony No 2; Szymanowski Symphony No 2
LSO: Gergiev conducts Brahms 1 & Szymanowski 1
Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 is presented alongside Karol Szymanowski’s own first symphony and Violin Concerto No. 1, featuring the acclaimed soloist Janine Jansen.PROGRAM Brahms: Symphony No 1; Szymanowski: Symphony No 1, Violin Concerto No 1