Watch on YouTube – Sunrise: Santtu conducts Strauss

Programme

A new era dawns for the Philharmonia, as Santtu-Matias Rouvali takes up the baton as the Orchestra’s sixth Principal Conductor. Watch from wherever you are in the world as he opens his Human / Nature series with a thrilling Strauss double-bill.

Social distancing is a distant memory as over 100 musicians take to the stage for the epic Alpine Symphony. Inspired by a boyhood hiking adventure, and a lifelong love of the mountains, Strauss invites you to join him for a day in the great outdoors. From the whispers of anticipation just before dawn, via waterfalls, forests and meadows, he takes you with him to experience the awe of reaching the summit, the fearsome power of a storm (complete with wind and thunder machines), and the deep sense of peace after a safe return.

Another sunrise opens Also Sprach Zarathustra – an unmistakable, spine-tingling fanfare. Fortunately for us, there’s no need to understand the complex philosophy that underpins the work to appreciate Strauss’s mastery. You could, of course, reflect on humanity’s purpose and place in the cosmos while you listen – or simply let yourself be filled with the glorious sound of a huge orchestra, back in the Royal Festival Hall at last.

But we are delighted to announce that, due to the help of Citi, we are able make our opening concert from 30 September 2021 available to watch for free on YouTube. The stream will premiere on Friday 29 October 2021 at 7.30pm (BST).

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