Artists
Sir George Benjamin – conductor
Pierre-Laurent Aimard – piano
James Hall – countertenor
Philharmonia Voices (Ladies)
Programme
Oliver Knussen Choral
Messiaen Le merle bleu from Catalogue d’oiseaux for solo piano
Arthur Benjamin Duet for piano and orchestra
— Interval —
Arthur Benjamin Dream of the Song
Janáček Sinfonietta
One of Britain’s greatest living composers leads the Philharmonia Orchestra from the podium in an all-star performance to mark his 60th birthday.
In Dream of the Song, Benjamin looks to the vivid world of Andalusian poetry. He pairs Arabic-inspired medieval poems with those of Federico García Lorca, creating a subtle sound-world of gentle choir murmurs and orchestral colours backing the solo voice. In his words, ‘The poetry I chose abounds in imagery of stars and moonlight, and I wanted to try to capture a silvery tone for the whole piece.’
Janáček’s Sinfonietta completed the programme at the premiere of Dream of the Song in 2015 – the two works complement each other perfectly. Janáček spins the opening fanfare into new colours and melodies, exploring fascinating harmonies in 20 thrilling minutes of music. The piece ends in triumph when the fanfare returns in a glorious version for full orchestra.
In the first half, an atmospheric early work by Benjamin’s friend Oliver Knussen sets the scene for Messiaen’s interpretation of the song of the blue rock thrush, and Benjamin’s intricate Duet for Piano and Orchestra. The Duet was written for tonight’s soloist Pierre-Laurent Aimard, a revered performer of 20th- and 21st-century music.
Need to know
Prices & Discounts
£12 – £58 (premium)
Subscription discounts available; under-18s and concessions discounts available; £8 tickets for students via Student Pulse one month before the concert (limited availability)
Running Time
1 hour 55 minutes, including 20 minute interval
Recommended age
From 7+
Programme notes
Box office
Philharmonia Box Office: 0800 652 6717