All events Concert

Origin Stories: Daphnis and Chloé

Cancelled

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

Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen on stage during rehearsal

Artists

Esa-Pekka Salonen – conductor
Philharmonia Voices

Programme

Rameau Castor and Pollux Suite

Salonen Gemini (European premiere)

— Interval —

Ravel Daphnis and Chloé (complete ballet)

In his final London concert as Principal Conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts a masterpiece close to his heart: Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe.

Completing his survey of musical retellings of Greek myths, Salonen contrasts works by two French composers who lived two centuries apart, and new music of his own.

Castor and Pollux are twins: one is human, the other immortal. And both are in love with the same woman. Rameau’s suite from his 1737 opera is made up of expressive incidental music and elegant courtly dances. Salonen’s own Gemini consists of two short pieces, “independent but genetically linked”. He describes Pollux as “slow and quite dark”, whereas Castor is “extroverted and quite fast”.

The story of Daphnis and Chloe, taken from a second-century novel, is another examination of the trials of love. Commissioned by Diaghilev for the Ballets Russes, Ravel’s ballet music is widely considered his finest masterpiece. Rich, imaginative orchestral textures transport the listener to a magical world of shepherdesses, goatherds, gods – and pirates.

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+

Seating

Please note the choir stalls are not on sale

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

Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen againt an all-black background, conducting

Part of Origin Stories: Greek Myth in Music Series

Cancelled
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