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Open Rehearsal: Nicola Benedetti plays Elgar

Royal Festival Hall
£7
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Nicola Benedetti holding violin and looking towards the side, standing in a corridor

Artists

Cristian Măcelaru – conductor
Nicola Benedetti – violin


Programme

Elgar Violin Concerto

Chaminade Callirhoë Suite

— Interval —

Debussy La Mer

Superstar violinist Nicola Benedetti joins the Philharmonia in Elgar’s tempestuous and tender Violin Concerto.

Nicola Benedetti is one of the best-loved violin soloists of our time, and a regular and popular collaborator with the Philharmonia. Her chart-topping recording of this formidable work was praised for ‘a sure sense of direction and lots of heart’ (The Guardian) – an accurate description of Benedetti’s approach to everything she does.

Debussy’s La Mer was inspired by the paintings of Turner and Hokusai, and of course the sea itself – ‘my old friend, the sea… always endless and beautiful.’ In three evocative movements the composer described as ‘symphonic sketches’, the orchestra, with added sparkle from harps and percussion, conjures up the movement of wind and waves.

To complete this programme full of poetry and invention, conductor Cristian Măcelaru has chosen the suite from Cécile Chaminade’s 1888 ballet Callirhoë. It’s a beguiling introduction to her music for the Philharmonia’s players and listeners alike.

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

Royal Festival Hall

Royal Festival Hall

Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road
London
SE1 8XX

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2025/26 London Season

Our 80th birthday season at Royal Festival Hall.


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