Sir Simon Rattle conducts Messiaen

Sir Simon Rattle ends his final concert as LSO Music Director with Messiaen’s mind-blowing Turangalîla-Symphonie – an explosion of passionate emotion and ear-tingling sound.

Imagine a starburst of love on a cosmic scale. Now add a colossal orchestra, an unstoppable pianist, and a vintage electronic instrument straight out of science fiction, and you’re still not even halfway to imagining Messiaen’s mind-boggling Turangalîla-Symphonie. Betsy Jolas’ music is more understated – but it still packs a tremendous emotional punch.

So what happier way for Sir Simon Rattle to bring down the curtain on his years as Music Director of the LSO? He’s joined by two of his oldest musical friends – pianist Peter Donohoe and Ondes-Martenot player Cynthia Millar – who also happen to be two of Messiaen’s supreme living interpreters. And with a new work from Betsy Jolas, he’s going out as he came in, with one eye fixed confidently on the future.

Program:
Ces belles années…Sop & Orch* - Betsy Jolas
Turangalîla-Symphonie- Olivier Messiaen

Sir Simon Rattle - Conductor
Faustine de Monès- Soprano *
Peter Donohoe - Piano
Cynthia Millar- Ondes Martenot