Bruckner 5 with Herbert Blomstedt

Programme

Living legend Herbert Blomstedt returns to the Philharmonia to conduct Bruckner’s monumental Fifth Symphony at the age of 99.

The Guardian described their last collaboration in 2024 as ‘exceptional… the collective performance of a lifetime.’ Now the indefatigable Blomstedt, loved and revered in equal measure by the Philharmonia players, revisits one of the giants of the orchestral repertoire.

Bruckner’s Fifth Symphony is an intricate maze of a masterpiece that many of the greatest names in conducting have spent a lifetime exploring. Blomstedt is no exception – in an extraordinary career spanning eight decades, he has recorded it multiple times. From the pizzicato whisperings of the introduction to the blazing affirmation of the finale, Bruckner weaves his themes together with the virtuosity of a musical magician at the top of his game. And Blomstedt embodies the rare blend of humility and assurance, intellect and faith that is needed to give this mighty symphony the performance it deserves.