Tag Archives: Philharmonia

Music

Sokhiev conducts Berlioz | Opium, dresses and other adventures

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Do I actually understand classical music? Definitely not in the way that I understand dance. After all, I used to do ballet but my experience with a musical instrument is limited. Naturally, that cannot stop me being moved by certain concerts (orchestras would be out of work if that was the case).

I went to my first Philharmonia concert of the season yesterday, titled Sokhiev conducts Berlioz – which included some other pieces too and a sufficiently famous soloist – as these things do. Continue reading Sokhiev conducts Berlioz | Opium, dresses and other adventures →

Music

Ideas for the autumn season of the Philharmonia and London Philharmonic

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Hands down I love the Philharmonia Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Both have given me some quite memorable evenings in the Royal Festival Hall.

Now, I get it, orchestral music may sound a tad boring but don’t knock it until you have actually gone to a concert. No, it’s not the same if you listen to it at home. Seeing the orchestra working together is half the fun.

Another point. Performances are dirt cheap. I mean come ON! When was the last time you could spend £12 for a concert? Don’t be scared of the cheap seats at the back, acoustics in the Royal Festival Hall are to die for.

Already booked a good number of tickets so I thought I could note some interesting things I saw in their programme. I should say here that even though I enjoy classical music I am NOT qualified to judge adequately so I might be missing some GREAT ones. Please leave me a comment to suggest more 🙂

Shostakovich’s vision of war
Jurowski conducts Shostakovich, Prokofiev and Lindberg. There, that says it all. Be prepared to possibly shed a tear with the Shostakovich piece.
Royal Festival Hall – 24 September 2014

Rachmaninov Inside Out Series (London Philharmonic) 
Russian genius. I mean, what is not to like? Try and book for one where Vladimir Jurowski is conducting, he is a pleasure to watch (and listen). I am gutted that I can’t go to the 3rd of October one, when Jurowski conducts and Alexande Ghindin rocks the piano.
Royal Festival Hall – various dates

Sci-Fi movies (Philharmonia) 
If you don’t know if you like orchestral music this is the one you should go to. Just see what a proper orchestra does with recognisable tunes and you’ll probably be booking Berlioz after.
Royal Festival Hall – 15 October 2014

Van Zweden conducts Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection)
This will probably be one of those concerts where you will not be able to get up and leave after it ends. Mahler certainly does that to me.
Royal Festival Hall – 01 November 2014

Pelléas Et Mélisande (Philharmonia)
What is not to like? Debussy as a one hit opera wonder? Check. Paris? Check. Love triangle? Check. Should be great.
Royal Festival Hall – 27 November 2014 

Rouvali Conducts Prokofiev (Philharmonia) 
Just cause I love Prokofiev.
Royal Festival Hall – 11 December 2014