Stream the season opening from the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by their new Chief Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano.
The concert opens with a fan favorite, Carl Nielsen's cinematic ''Helios Overture'' - inspired by the sunlight dancing on the Aegean sea. Then comes a thrilling new commission from composer James MacMillan. MacMillan's virtuosic new Concerto for Orchestra, ''Ghosts'' is a kaleidoscopic homage to beloved works including Beethoven's D Major Pino Trio ( also called ''Ghost''), Debussy's Trio for Flute Viola and Harp, and sonic references to Bartók and Sibelius. As MacMillan himself put it, ''...the music seems to be haunted by other, earlier musical spirits and memories.''
Not a frequent conductor of Sibelius, Pappano ventures into, nearly, uncharted territory with Sibelius' First Symphony to conclude an already impactful concert. He doesn't disappoint. ''Pappano held the tension of the finale... from opening outcry... to decisive pizzicato cut-off. A stunner.'' ★★★★★ - The Arts Desk
This concert marks the beginning of the orchestra's 2024/25 season, featuring a captivating program that showcases the orchestra's brilliance.
Program:
Helios Overture - Carl Nielsen
Concerto for Orchestra, ''Ghosts'' - James MacMillan
Symphony No. 1 - Jean Sibelius