The limited edition sixth album on Philharmonia Records – Santtu conducts Strauss: Ein Heldenleben – will be released on 24 October in celebration of the Orchestra’s 80th anniversary

Santtu conducts Strauss: Ein Heldenleben, the sixth album from Philharmonia Records will be released on 24 October. Conducted by Santtu-Matias Rouvali, this performance was recorded at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in 2023 – the sold out finale to their 2023/24 concert season.

This limited-edition album marks the Philharmonia’s 80th anniversary and showcases the special relationship between the Orchestra and the composer. In 1947, when the Philharmonia was just two years old, Richard Strauss conducted the orchestra in London in what was to be his final concert appearance. Further still, in 1950, the Philharmonia was the orchestra chosen by singer Kirsten Flagstad to premiere the composer’s Four Last Songs. There are just 2,000 copies of the album available, with a selection signed by Santtu-Matias Rouvali. 

The booklet includes an essay on the Philharmonia’s relationship with Richard Strauss, written by cultural historian, broadcaster and lecturer Gavin Plumley. 

This is the second album of Strauss music conducted by Rouvali to be released, following the launch of the label in 2023 with a double album that features live recordings of Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 and Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64 (An Alpine Symphony)– heralding an auspicious beginning to his tenure. Subsequent releases have featured Santtu conducting Mahler, Stravinsky and Shostakovich.

Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali said ‘I remember this concert so well. The atmosphere was electric and there wasn’t a single empty seat in the hall. I am so glad this is the recording chosen to mark our 80th anniversary since Strauss is so close not only to my heart but also the hearts of every player you will hear on the album.’

Philharmonia Chief Executive Thorben Dittes said ‘Following the successful launch of Philharmonia Records two years ago, it is with great pleasure that we release our first limited edition album in celebration of our 80th birthday. The Philharmonia and Richard Strauss had a remarkable relationship – the Orchestra premiered his Four Last Songs in 1950, and we were the orchestra with which he conducted his last public concert in 1947. Santtu has a strong affinity with Strauss’s music too, and Ein Heldenleben gives our players a unique opportunity to demonstrate the Philharmonia sound that has shaped and defined us over the past 80 years, and will continue to do so in years to come.’

Santtu conducts Strauss is produced by the Philharmonia in association with Signum Records, who will distribute throughout the UK and internationally. The album will be priced at £18.

The single  (Track #1 on the album) – Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40, TrV 190: I. Der Held will be available from 17 September with a second single (Track 2) Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40, TrV 190: II. Des Helden Widersacher released on 1 October. The full album including focus track Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40, TrV 190: VI. Des Helden Weltflucht und Vollendung is available from the 24 October.