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Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts Sibelius

Cancelled

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Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 3 March 2020 at 9.30am.

Esa-Pekka Salonen on stage, holding a baton, wearing a black t-shirt

Artists

Esa-Pekka Salonen – conductor
Yefim Bronfman – piano

Programme

Anna Thorvaldsdottir Metacosmos

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3

— Interval —

Sibelius Symphony No. 2

Salonen has conducted most of Sibelius’s major orchestral works during his time as Principal Conductor of the Philharmonia. As he prepares to hand over the baton at the end of this season, he revisits the Second symphony. Known above all for the power and grandeur of its finale, the symphony has many more distinctive moments – a bassoon theme emerges from pizzicato basses to open the second movement, and the third unleashes torrents of rushing strings.

Yefim Bronfman’s larger-than-life virtuosity and natural warmth make him a favourite with audiences worldwide, and he and Salonen are frequent concert partners. For tonight’s concert they have chosen Beethoven’s masterful Piano Concerto No. 3. A first movement full of drama and contrast heralds one of Beethoven’s dreamiest slow movements, then a playful, joyous finale.

Metacosmos, by Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir, has been described as “a rumbling, shimmering sound sculpture that completely envelops and astonishes” (NPR Music). Premiered by Esa-Pekka Salonen in New York in 2018, and since heard at the Proms and the Berlin Philharmonie, it is already well on its way to becoming a 21st century classic.

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

2 hours, including 20 minute interval

Recommended age

From 7+

Box office

Philharmonia Box Office: 0800 652 6717

Venue

Royal Festival Hall

Royal Festival Hall

Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road
London
SE1 8XX

View on Google Maps

London season illustration

Part of 2020/21 London Season

Cancelled
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