Open Rehearsal in Bedford: Bruce Liu plays Ravel
Ryan Bancroft – conductorArtists
Bruce Liu – piano
Programme
Britten Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes
Ravel Piano Concerto in G
— Interval —
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5
The Philharmonia welcomes outstanding pianist Bruce Liu to Bedford.
Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G was inspired by the jazz he heard on a tour of the United States. Ravel frames a serenely beautiful Adagio with outer movements of carefree, effervescent energy. It’s the perfect showcase for the “magician’s fingers” (Le Monde) of Bruce Liu, winner of the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition.
Tchaikovsky himself said that his Fifth Symphony represented “a complete resignation before Fate”, but that hasn’t stopped it becoming a firm audience favourite. It opens with the sound of funereal footsteps on the clarinet. A singing horn melody gives the second movement a more hopeful mood, but the fateful ‘footsteps’ theme returns in the third movement waltz, and triumphs in the stormy finale.
To open, Ryan Bancroft has chosen Britten’s Four Sea Interludes. They’re taken from his opera Peter Grimes, a compelling portrait of a fishing community whose lives are intertwined with the sea and the weather. The orchestra vividly depicts the different faces of the sea, from dawn tranquility to a fearsome storm.
All you need to know
Price
£7
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Running time
Approximately 2.5 hrs (subject to change)
Recommended age
From 7+
Programme notes
Digital programme notes available closer to the rehearsal.
Contact the Friends team
Phone: 020 7921 3906
Email: friends@philharmonia.co.uk
Concerto and Symphony Friends
Concerto and Symphony Friends members can claim their complimentary open rehearsal tickets by emailing friends@philharmonia.co.uk.
About
Open rehearsals are not performances. Playing may be paused at various intervals in order for the conductor, soloist and orchestra to agree on specific styles and dynamics.
Open rehearsals will take place in the auditorium where the concert is due to be performed, unless otherwise specified. Times and repertoire being rehearsed will be confirmed prior to the rehearsal date, as these schedules are subject to change.
Please note that open rehearsals are working processes for the conductor and the Orchestra, we cannot guarantee that pieces will be played in their entirety. Timings are subject to change and every endeavour will be made to let ticket holders know in advance about any such changes. Please check our website for up-to-date information.
Venue
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