
Santtu-Matias Rouvali – conductorArtists
Fazıl Say – piano
Programme
de Falla El Amor Brujo Suite (orchestral version)
Say Mother Earth (Piano Concerto)
— Interval —
Dvořák Symphony No. 8
Celebrated Turkish pianist-composer Fazıl Say performs his own new piano concerto, in an afternoon of music rooted in the earth of home.
Awarded the International Beethoven Prize for Human Rights and Freedom in 2016, Say describes himself as ‘a bridge-builder between cultures.’ His music is a brilliantly effective blend of Western and Middle Eastern classical traditions, and his live performances are ‘one of a kind… full of energy and brilliance’ (Bachtrack).
For Manuel de Falla, home was Spain and the passionate world of flamenco. His ballet El Amor Brujo (Love the Sorcerer) tells of a widow haunted by the ghost of her unfaithful husband. Classical music fans may be familiar with the ‘Ritual Fire Dance’, but the whole suite is well worth discovering.
The sound of birdsong ripples through Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, and its third movement waltz is sprinkled with passages that evoke the folk dances of Dvořák’s native Bohemia. It’s been described as ‘35 minutes of life-enhancing joy’ (The Guardian) – a taste of summer on a November afternoon.
All you need to know
Price
£7
Join the Friends from only £6.70 a month to get access to Open Rehearsals and more.
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.
Get closer to the music
Become a Philharmonia Friend for discounts on tickets, access to Open Rehearsals, priority booking, and opportunities to meet our players – all without booking fees.

2025/26 London Season
We’ve just announced our 80th birthday season at Royal Festival Hall.
