London Philharmonic Orchestra

The Rest Is Noise: May 2013

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:30:00 GMT

We're listening to the 20th century. Throughout 2013, the London Philharmonic Orchestra appears as the major orchestral partner in Southbank Centre’s year-long, multi-art-form festival The Rest Is Noise. The festival looks at the key works of the 20th century through a wide lens, taking in the political happenings, social movements, cultural climates and personal stories that gave rise to these inspiring and sometimes controversial pieces of music. On 17 May the LPO's Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski conducts a programme of 1930s works written in the Soviet Union by Shostakovich, Prokofiev and Stravinsky. In this podcast he introduces Shostakovich's Symphony No 6, which he describes as 'absurd music for an absurb time'. We also include Shostakovich's letter to the Soviet General Assembly in 1948 in which he apologises for failing to write 'sufficiently uplifting and nationalist music'. The new release on the LPO Label is of Mahler Symphony No 1, including the original fifth movement 'Blumine', recorded in concert in December 2010 with LPO Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski. Find out more are www.lpo.org.uk/shop LPO-0070 (£9.99 incl P+P) Visit therestisnoise.lpo.org.uk for full information about the festival.

The Rest Is Noise: April 2013

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:30:00 GMT

We're listening to the 20th century. Throughout 2013, the London Philharmonic Orchestra appears as the major orchestral partner in Southbank Centre’s year-long, multi-art-form festival The Rest Is Noise. The festival ooks at the key works of the 20th century through a wide lens, taking in the political happenings, social movements, cultural climates and personal stories that gave rise to these inspiring and sometimes controversial pieces of music. Our concert on 27 April contains works by Webern and Berg, Bartók and Martinů, conducted by the LPO’s Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski. It’s a fascinating programming as all works were written in the pre-war 1930s, and yet present a huge range of musical styles and influences as the composers reacted in different ways to the fear and angst of those years. In this edition of the LPO's podcast Vladimir Jurowski introduces the music and explains why he selected it for the concert. The new release on the LPO Label is of Shostakovich Symphony No. 8 in a live concert recording from the BBC archive conducted by Gennady Rozhdestvensky. LPO-0071, £9.99 from www.lpo.org.uk Visit therestisnoise.lpo.org.uk for full information about the festival.

The Rest Is Noise: March 2013

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:30:00 GMT

We're listening to the 20th century. Throughout 2013, the London Philharmonic Orchestra appears as the major orchestral partner in Southbank Centre’s year-long, multi-art-form festival The Rest Is Noise. The festival ooks at the key works of the 20th century through a wide lens, taking in the political happenings, social movements, cultural climates and personal stories that gave rise to these inspiring and sometimes controversial pieces of music. In the 1920s, American composers began to break away from the confines of the European classical music tradition and to find a national voice, often incorporating jazz inspiration. In a concert given in February, conducted by Marin Alsop, the LPO presented the new voices of America - Ives, Scott Joplin, Gershwin and Copland. Pianist Garrick Ohlsson performed Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and Copland's Piano Concerto in the concert, and this podcast gives you the chance to hear a pre-concert talk in which he explores the musical language of these two works. The interviewer was Christopher Cook. Visit therestisnoise.lpo.org.uk for full information about the festival.

The Rest Is Noise: February 2013

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:30:00 GMT

We're listening to the 20th century. Throughout 2013, the London Philharmonic Orchestra appears as the major orchestral partner in Southbank Centre’s year-long, multi-art-form festival The Rest Is Noise. The festival ooks at the key works of the 20th century through a wide lens, taking in the political happenings, social movements, cultural climates and personal stories that gave rise to these inspiring and sometimes controversial pieces of music. The 1920s collaboration between Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht on The Threepenny Opera created one of the biggest musical hits of its time. The combination of 18th-century ballad texts, European swing and dance music and American jazz all conceived on an operatic scale successfully bridged the gap between mass entertainment and elitist high culture. The LPO's Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski introduces the work. LPO bassoonist Gareth Newman talks about the famous solo opening of Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, and principal percussionist Andy Barclay explains the huge changes in the use composers made of percussion in the orchestra during the course of the 20th century. Visit therestisnoise.lpo.org.uk for full information about the festival.

The Rest Is Noise: January 2013

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 12:30:00 GMT

In 2007 US music critic Alex Ross published his first book The Rest Is Noise. Subtitled Listening to the Twentieth Century, Ross’s book tells the story of 20th-century music within its historical context, exploring how the events and ideas of the 20th century shaped the art that was created, and vice versa. Why did musicians write what they did? Why did the world react the way it did? Why, in some cases, were they silenced? Throughout 2013, the London Philharmonic Orchestra appears as the major orchestral partner in Southbank Centre’s year-long, multi-art-form festival The Rest Is Noise. Inspired by Ross’s book, The Rest Is Noise festival looks at the key works of the 20th century through a wide lens, taking in the political happenings, social movements, cultural climates and personal stories that gave rise to these inspiring and sometimes controversial pieces of music. The LPO opens the festival on 19 January with a concert of Richard Strauss, and the Orchestra's Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski explains what makes Strauss's music the starting point for the yearlong musical journey. And two members of the Orchestra tell us why this concert is one of their highlights of The Rest Is Noise. Visit therestisnoise.lpo.org.uk for full information about the festival.

Exploring works by Grisey and Mahler: December 2012

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 12:30:00 GMT

On 12 December, the London Philharmonic Orchestra performs French composer Gérard Grisey’s 'Four chants for crossing the threshold'. The work is a ‘musical meditation on death’ for soprano and 15 players, written between 1996 and 1998. The four sections – The Death of the Angel; The Death of Civilisation; The Death of the Voice and The Death of Humanity take texts from four different civilisations – Christian, Egyptian, Greek and Mesopotamian. Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski talks about the eclectic and unusual choice of texts chosen by the composer, and why he chose to pair it with Mahler’s Symphony No.5 for this concert. We've put together a range of unusual gifts for Christmas, including CD subscriptions, LPO Friends membership and virtual gifts - perfect for stocking fillers. Find out more at www.lpo.org.uk/gifts Our recent release of Tchaikovsky Symphonies 4 and 5 conducted by Jurowski has been selected as Album of the Month in December's Gramophone Magazine. You can listen to excerpts and buy the CD from lpo.org.uk/recordings

Interviews with conductor Vladimir Jurowski and composer Carl Vine: November 2012

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:30:00 GMT

On 28 November, the LPO's Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski conducts an usual concert of Beethoven, Schoenberg and Nono. All three composers believed in the importance and strength of the human spirit, and Jurowski draws out the links of human and political freedom that link the works in this programme. One of the new works performed this season was the European premiere of Australian Carl Vine's Second Piano Concerto. In a pre-concert talk in October he was joined on stage by the soloist in the performance, Piers Lane, and interviewer Christopher Cook, for a discussion that covered why Vine has written more for piano than any other instrument, writing melody in the 21st century, and the different roles a solo instrument can be given in a concerto. This month's new release on the LPO Label is of Brahms' Symphonies 1 and 3 conducted by Klaus Tennstedt. Tennstedt was the LPO's Principal Conductor from 1983 until the early 1990s, and these recordings are from 1983 and 1992 - spanning his time with the Orchestra. You can listen to excerpts and buy the CD from lpo.org.uk/recordings

A Florentine Tragedy - Zemlinsky: October 2012

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:30:00 GMT

War and Peace is a three concert collaboration between the Russian National Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, which culminates in the two orchestras appearing together on the Royal Festival Hall platform for a performance of Shostakovich' Leningrad Symphony on 5 October. Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski introduces the collaboration and the programmed repertoire. The 2012-13 season opened in late September with a performance of Alexander Zemlinsky's one act opera A Florentine Tragedy. David Trendell, Senior Lecturer in Music at King's College, London, explores the life and music of Zemlinsky in this pre-concert talk, and how the composer's affair with Alma Mahler influenced the choice of subject matter for his opera. The new release on the LPO Label is the third of our CDs of orchestral works by Mark-Anthony Turnage, bringing to a close his period as Composer in Residence (2005-10). The CD includes Christian Tetzlaff in the violin concerto Mambo, Blues and Tarantella, and Lawrence Power in the viola concerto On Opened Ground. You can listen to excerpts and buy the CD from lpo.org.uk/recordings

Russian Bells and opera from Vienna: September 2012

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 10:30:00 GMT

Each year September heralds new beginnings for the Orchestra – with the start of our season of London concerts at the end of the month. Held at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, where we’re one of the Resident Symphony Orchestras, this series of concerts between September and May each year showcases the orchestra, and the wide repertoire that it plays. The first concerts in the year are conducted by our Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Vladimir Jurowski, who is highly praised not only for his powerful interpretations of core symphonic repertoire but also for his innovative and unusual programming. The first concerts of the London Philharmonic Orchestra's new season offer the chance to listen to early 20th century opera in the concert hall (Strauss and Zemlinsky on 26 September), and to hear the influence of bells on Russian composers writing across the 20th century (Rachmaninov, Miaskovsky, Denisov and Shchedrin on 29 September). Vladimir Jurowski introduces both programmes, setting out the significance of bells to Russians through the ages, as well as the influence the newly translated poetry of Edgar Allan Poe had on Russian composers in the early part of the century. The new release on the LPO Label is Vladimir Jurowski's 2011 performances of Tchaikovsky Symphonies 4 and 5. You can listen to excerpts and buy the CD from lpo.org.uk/recordings

Diamond Jubilee celebrations: June 2012

Mon, 28 May 2012 10:30:00 GMT

The London Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to be taking part in Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3 June 2012 on board the Symphony, as one of ten music herald barges of the flotilla. As we move down the river, we will be performing a selection of popular works by great British and Commonwealth composers, related either to monarchy, royal events and ceremonial occasions or to familiar landmarks along the Thames. These include Chariots of Fire theme, James Bond theme, Jupiter from Holst's The Planets, Land of Hope and Glory (Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No 1), ‘Nimrod’ from Enigma Variations. The day culminates in a performance of the National Anthem to Her Majesty the Queen at Tower Bridge. We've recorded this repertoire and have released the official Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant CD to commemorate the celebrations. In this edition of our monthly podcast, music writer Andrew Stewart delves into the history of some of the works we'll be performing, bringing their links to London to the fore. He starts with a quick look at the history of pageants before exploring Elgar's Nimrod, Pomp and Circumstance March, Coates' Dambusters March and Arnold's Padstow Lifeboat, as well as music written for film.

Introducing Tristan Murail: May 2012

Tue, 01 May 2012 10:30:00 GMT

The London Philharmonic Orchestra's Debut Sounds 2012 concert includes music by two established, but underperformed, European composers written in the late 20th century - Tristan Murail's Les Courants de l'espace, last heard over 25 years ago in the UK, and Per Nørgård's Voyage into the Golden Screen. In this podcast Julian Anderson, the LPO's Composer in Residence, introduces a concerto by Tristan Murail for ondes Martenot and ensemble. Murail's music has a rich and shimmering palette, exploring atmospheres and other-worldly sounds. The concert is also a chance to hear brand new music by the Orchestra's Leverhulme Young Composers - and we hear from the four composers who have been creating and refining their music through a series of workshops. Debut Sounds concert details 7.30pm, Tuesday 12 June, Queen Elizabeth Hall Tristan Murail Les Courants de l'espace Per Nørgård Voyage into the Golden Screen Mark David Boden Shadows of a Changing Land Laura Jayne Bowler 3811 Nautical Miles David Curington After Onement, I Hollie Harding As Echoes Subside Clement Power conductor Tristan Murail ondes Martenot Foyle Future Firsts Members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra

Colin Cuurie interview: April 2012

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:30:00 GMT

Radiant joy and intense poetry characterise recent works from the pen of Finnish composer Kalevi Aho. His style might continue to adapt and evolve, but he never ceases to make listeners aware of the world in alluring and enlightening ways. Here percussionist Colin Currie unveils the new concerto written for him by Aho in a phone interview with Ben Eshmade. Currie has described the work as 'a very great masterpiece of the genre and an extremely serious contribution to the symphonic literature.' He goes onto say he believes it is 'destined to be a smash with audiences as the music brims with flare, groove and and colour.' Kalevi Aho’s Sieidi; Concerto for Solo Percussion and Orchestra is commissioned by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Luosto Classic Festival and Gothenburg Symphony. The April release on the LPO Label is Beethoven's fervent and masterful Missa Solemnis, recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall in 2008. The podcast ends with a preview of the new CD. Christoph Eschenbach conductor Anne Schwanewilms soprano Annette Jahns mezzo soprano Nikolai Schukoff tenor Dietrich Henschel bass Also heard on the podcast: Jennifer Higdon's Percussion Concerto, soloist Colin Currie, conductor Marin Alsop. LPO-0035

Julian Anderson interview: March 2012

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:30:00 GMT

Julian Anderson is the London Philharmonic Orchestra's Composer in Residence, and his new, three movement orchestral work 'The Discovery of Heaven' is premiered on 24 March 2012. The title of the work comes from a 1992 novel by Dutch author Harry Mulisch, and in this interview Anderson explores how a piece of music can reflect a book without having a direct narrative connection. He reveals how his own musical language absorbs the eclectic influences of Japanese Gagaku music, Mongolian overtone chanting, Gregorian chant and the battle between percussion and melody heard at the end of the first movement of Nielsen's Symphony No. 5. The Discovery of Heaven was jointly commissioned by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and New York Philharmonic. The March release on the LPO Label is of Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe ballet, recorded in 1979 with Bernard Haitink and taken from the BBC archive. The podcast ends with a preview of the new CD.

Marin Alsop in conversation: February 2012

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:30:00 GMT

American conductor Marin Alsop is a frequent guest with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Before one of her recent concerts in London which programmed music of central Europe, she gave a pre-concert talk in conversation with James Jolly. The topics explored include the soundworld of Martinů's Sixth Symphony, Dvořák's struggle to be accepted as a composer, and the orchestral writing in Liszt's Piano Concertos. The programme included Liszt's Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2, performed by Stephen Hough, and Alsop shared the ways in which conducting concertos is a different kind of music-making to the symphonic repertoire. The March release on the LPO Label is of Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe ballet, recorded in 1979 with Bernard Haitink and taken from the BBC archive. The podcast ends with a preview of the new CD.

Prokofiev introduced by Vladimir Jurowski: January 2012

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Prokofiev: Man of the People? is the London Philharmonic Orchestra's January 2012 festival. Fourteen events over 20 days expore one of the most misunderstood men in 20th-century music. Vladimir Jurowski is the festival's Artistic Director. In this interview he introduces Prokofiev, puts his music in the context of the political events of the early 20th century, explores his diaries and reveals the strange history of the new version of Ivan the Terrible to be performed on 28 January. 'In my view, the composer, just as the poet, the sculptor or the painter, is in duty bound to serve Man, the people. He must beutify human life and defend it. He must be a citizen first and foremost, so that his art might conscionsly extol human life and lead man to a radiant future. Such is the immutable code of art as I see it.' Sergei Prokofiev

Anderson, and introducing The Band: December 2011

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:30:00 GMT

Julian Anderson, the London Philharmonic Orchestra's Composer in Residence, sheds light on how he composed his virtuoso work Fantasias. From the simplicity of the opening brass fanfare via the canopy and birds of the Rain Forest, to Tom and Jerry, he helps us understand some of the challenges of taking risks in composition. As this podcast was being produced, we heard that Fantasias won the orchestral category of the British Composers Awards 2011! Fantasias has been the inspiration and starting point for this term's work by The Band, run by the Orchestra's Education and Community programme. Led by Tim Steiner, young musicians from South London create and perform their own music, alongside members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. If you enjoy finding out about The Band, might you consider making a £5 donation as part of our Annual Appeal? You can give online at www.lpo.org.uk or by text message by sending the text PHIL12 £5 to 70070 The Band is supported by The Hobson Charity and The Stansfield Trust.

Turnage and Honegger: November 2011

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:30:00 GMT

In October, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and viola soloist Lawrence Power performed Mark-Anthony Turnage's On Opened Ground. In this podcast you can hear part of the pre-concert talk in which composer and soloist discussed the work, the freedom of writing a concerto for viola and working with the LPO. Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski believes that Arthur Honegger was one of the most gifted composers of the early 20th century, standing alongside giants such as Bartók, Prokofiev, Stravinsky and Berg. He introduces the three works that appear on the new CD - Symphony No. 4, Pastoral d'été, and the Christmas Cantata. Featured recording: Honegger: Pastoral d'été and A Christmas Cantata conducted by Vladimir Jurowski (LPO-0058)

Nicholas Collon interviewed: October 2011

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Nicholas Collon is this season's assistant to the London Philharmonic Orchestra's Principal Conductor, Vladimir Jurowski. In this interview he explains what the role involves, and the challenges of conducting an orchestra that has already played the works with so many established conductors. He also takes his pick of the recent CD releases on the LPO Label, with works by Dvorak, Sibelius and Mahler on his list. Featured London Philharmonic Orchestra recordings: Dvorak: Symphony No. 8 conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras (LPO-0055) Sibelius: Symphony No. 5 conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste (LPO-0056) Mahler: Symphony No. 2 conducted by Vladimir Jurowski (LPO-0054)

Scriabin Prometheus: September 2011

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:30:00 GMT

The Greek myth of Prometheus has attracted composers over the centuries, including Beethoven, Liszt, Nono and Scriabin. The London Philharmonic Orchestra's Principal Conductor, Vladimir Jurowski explores the myth, and in particular the visionary work created by Scriabin - Prometheus, Poem of Fire - which has claim to be the first true 'multi-media' work for orchestra and light. The music of Scriabin is itself a blaze of colour, and the LPO's Composer in Residence Julian Anderson introduces the musical soundworld.

Mahler orchestral songs: June 2011

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:30:00 GMT

In this final Mahler Anniversary Season pre-concert talk, Surrey University Lecturer Jeremy Barham explores the early 20th century collection of German folk poetry 'Des Knaben Wunderhorn' (The youth's magic horn), placing it in historical and literary context of the Romantic movement. The collection is perhaps best known through the songs by Mahler, and this talk looks at the composer's masterful depiction of the texts through his music.

Mahler the arranger: May 2011

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:30:00 GMT

Gustav Mahler is known today through his music, but in his own time was equally known as a conductor and arranger. In this Mahler Anniversary Season pre-concert talk, Surrey University Lecturer Jeremy Barham looks at the fascination the music of JS Bach held for Mahler throughout his life, and the ways in which he reimagined Bach's music for the early 20th century. Beethoven's String Quartet Op. 95 was also arranged by Mahler, who believed that it needed expanding to work in large concert halls, and the result offers an alternative perspective on the work.

Mahler and Zemlinsky: April 2011

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:30:00 GMT

Placing composers in the context of their contemporaries often helps us to understand their music, and sometimes to trace how new compositional ideas spread. In this Mahler Anniversary Season pre-concert talk, Surrey University Lecturer Jeremy Barham looks at the relationship between Zemlinsky and Mahler, building up a picture of life in early 20th century Vienna and their competition for the same woman, then looking at the musical links and differences between Mahler's compositions and the 'mystical evocation of human love' of Zemlinsky's Lyric Symphony.

Mahler and Liszt: March 2011

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:30:00 GMT

Placing composers in the context of their contemporaries often helps us to understand their music, and sometimes to trace how new compositional ideas spread. In the second of this Mahler Anniversary Season's pre-concert talks, Surrey University Lecturer Jeremy Barham looks at Mahler's relationship with the music of Franz Liszt. Starting with the music by Liszt that we know Mahler heard or conducted, and what Mahler wrote about him, Barham then explores some of the interesting musical links between the composers.

Yannick Nezet-Seguin: February 2011

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:30:00 GMT

Yannick Nézet-Séguin is in his third season as the London Philharmonic Orchestra's Principal Guest conductor. He looks back at the highlights of 2010 - a year in which he accepted the position of Music Director at the Philadelphia Orchestra and made his debut at the Met Opera. He talks about his relationship with the LPO, shares his method of working with different orchestras around the world, and introduces his next two programmes (16 and 19 February 2011) at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall.

Julian Anderson: January 2011

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:30:00 GMT

Julian Anderson is the London Philharmonic Orchestra's new Composer in Residence. Before a performance of his 1998 work The Stations of the Sun, Julian spoke to broadcaster Christopher Cook about his plans for the residency, learning through collaboration and the challenges of writing melodies in the 21st century. In the second half of the talk he reveals some of the inspirations and structures he used when composing The Stations of the Sun in 1998.

Shostakovich Symphony 11: November 2010

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Shostakovich's Symphony No 11 is filled with Revolutionary songs and the weight of uprising and oppression. In this pre-concert talk the Russian conductor Vasily Petrenko and writer and broadcaster David Nice discuss the work, the 1905 revolution that the symphony describes, the relevance of the Hungarian uprising of 1956 to the music and Shostakovich's life in the post-Stalin era of the late 1950s. Petrenko also shares some of his preparation of the work for performance, and why the viola is the best instrument for mourning.

Rossini opera: November 2010

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Why have some of Rossini's operas become central to the repertoire of opera houses, while others remain rarely performed? Opera Rara and the London Philharmonic Orchestra recently performed Rossini's Aureliano in Palmira at the Royal Festival Hall. In this pre-concert talk, Roger Parker (King's College, London) and Benjamin Walton (University of Cambridge) introduce the opera and the musical and political circumstances that led to the opera struggling to catch the imagination of European audiences in the 1800s.

Mahler Anniversary: October 2010

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:30:00 GMT

What did Mahler's contemporaries think of his music? And how have his works been interpreted, performed and transformed over the 100 years since his death? With particular reference to Mahler's 3rd Symphony, this engaging pre-concert talk given by Dr Jeremy Barham (Surrey University) on 22 September 2010 offers an overview of the Mahler Anniversary celebrations.

Robert McDuffie on Philip Glass: June 2010

Fri, 28 May 2010 09:30:00 GMT

American violinist Robert McDuffie speaks to Edward Seckerson about performing Philip Glass, and in particular the second violin concerto, The American Four Seasons, which was written for him. Recordings: The LPO's recent release of Brahms Symphonies 1 and 2 conducted by Vladimir Jurowski is disc of the month in BBC Music Magazine. And the new release on the LPO Label is from the archive - Vernon Handley conducts Elgar's Symphony 1 and Sea Pictures (with soloist Dame Janet Baker). We want to hear from you - tell us your views on our podcasts for a chance to win a package of recent LPO CDs. Closing date 25 June 2010.

Debut Sounds - young composers: May 2010

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Conductor Clement Power introduces Debut Sounds - a concert showcasing the work of four young composers who have been given workshop and mentoring opportunities via the LPO Young Composers scheme; and composers Isa Khan and Aaron Parker share their experiences of working with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. We want to hear from you - tell us your views on our podcasts for a chance to win a package of recent LPO CDs. Closing date 25 June 2010. Plus: marking the end of Mark-Anthony Turnage's period as composer in residence - his Hidden Love Song on the LPO Label.

A trio of conductors: April 2010

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Three conductors speak about the music they are performing with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in April 2010 at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. As part of The Bernstein Project festival, Festival Director Marin Alsop conducts Bernstein's Symphony No. 2 with soloist Nicolas Hodges. Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski introduces Myaskovsky's Sixth Symphony, and Yannick Nézet-Séguin explores the musical links between the works in his programme of 10 April. Plus: this month's featured release is Principal Guest Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin's first appearance on the LPO Label. Brahms' German Requiem was recorded at a concert in April 2009, and the conductor reveals the importance of the work to him. (LPO-0045 £9.99)

Season launch and The Band: March 2010

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The 2010-11 season of concerts at the Royal Festival Hall has been revealed, and Chief Executive and Artistic Director Timothy Walker introduces the themes and highlights. How does the Orchestra work with young musicians from different musical backgrounds? We present its youth fusion group The Band through interviews with its director Phil Mullen, and some of the players. Plus: this month's release on the LPO Label is a 1989 concert recording of Mahler's Second Symphony with conductor Klaus Tennstedt. Two members of the Orchestra share their memories of working with this legendary musician. (LPO-0044 2 CD set - £10.99)

Jurowski and Nezet-Seguin: February 2010

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Principal Guest Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin reveals his approach to working on French music with the LPO and talks about his favourite work by Poulenc. Vladimir Jurowski, the London Philharmonic Orchestra's Principal Conductor introduces Shostakovich's opera The Gamblers and the huge and tragic work by Josef Suk - the Asrael Symphony. Plus a preview of the new CD release on the LPO Label: Brahms Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2 conducted by Vladimir Jurowski and recorded live in concerts in 2008. (LPO-0043 £10.99)

Sibelius Symphonies - January 2010

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Osmo Vänska conducts a four-concert series Sibelius's seven symphonies (27 January - 5 February 2010). He speaks to Edward Seckerson about the works he has chosen to complement the symphonies and what this Finnish composer means to him. Plus a look back at the Schnittke Festival with violinist Clare Duckworth and news of a Grammy Award Nomination for the recording of Jennifer Higdon's Percussion Concerto with soloist Colin Currie on the LPO Label.

Renga Ensemble - December 2009

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The Renga Ensemble is a group of musicians from the London Philharmonic Orchestra who work with performers and composers from outside the classical mainstream - such as jazz, folk, Indian and African styles. Director Scott Stroman talks to Edward Seckerson about the ensemble, and introduces the concert on 2 December at the Vortex Jazz Club in London. Plus contributions from two members of Renga, and some Christmas CD gift recommendations.

Alfred Schnittke festival - November 2009

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT

London Philharmonic Orchestra's Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski introduces the festival Between Two Worlds - exploring the life and work of Alfred Schnittke. A Russian composer, who grew up in Germany in the 1930s, Schnittke's music is renowned for its juxtaposition of a wide range of styles. The festival explores his music for film, theatre and the concert hall, alongside music that inspired him. Violinist Leonidas Kavakos performs in two concerts of the festival, and tells us about his first violin and the Berg concerto. Find out more on the Schnittke minisite: www.lpo.org.uk/schnittke Double Bass player George Peniston looks back at reviews from the recent tour to Australia. November's CD release on the LPO Label is of Dvorak's Requiem, recorded in February 2009 at the Royal Festival Hall with conductor Neeme Järvi.

Bruckner and Rautavaara - October 2009

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:00:00 GMT

London Philharmonic Orchestra's Principal Guest Conductor, Yannick Nézet-Séguin reflects on his first year with the Orchestra, including their performance of Bruckner's Symphony No.7. He looks ahead to his performance of Bruckner Symphony No 8 on 24 October and reveals the musical preferences of his cats. Percussionist Colin Currie talks about the challenges of playing an instrument that changes for every work, and introduces Rautavaara's Incantations. From the archive: looking back at the 1940s and Sir Adrian Boult with Nick Tschaikov. Also from the archive, October's CD release on the LPO Label is of pioneering recordings from the 1930s with Sir Thomas Beecham. It includes stereo test recordings and a concert given in Germany on tour in 1936.

Mahler, Sibelius, Schnittke and Tchaikovsky - September 2009

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Vladimir Jurowski, the London Philharmonic Orchestra's Principal Conductor, looks ahead to the 2009-10 season's concerts at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. He introduces the opening concerts (25 and 26 September) of Mahler's Symphony No.2 "Resurrection". One of the Orchestra's players, Sue Bohling, gives a glimpse of what it's like to play at Glyndebourne Opera and rounds up the press reviews. Plus the new iPhone app is launched, and CDs of Tchaikovsky Symphonies 1 and 6 and a John Ireland celebration are released.

Glyndebourne Festival Opera - summer 2009

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Every summer for over 40 years, the London Philharmonic Orchestra has played in the pit at Glyndebourne Festival Opera. In this special summer edition of the podcast, viola player Tony Byrne talks about what playing in Glyndebourne's Resident Orchestra means to him. Plus the new CD release on the orchestra's own label - Mahler's Symphony No 6 recorded at a 1983 prom under the baton of Klaus Tennstedt.

Mahler, Mendelssohn and Rasch - May 2009

Tue, 05 May 2009 11:00:00 GMT

This season, Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski begins a cycle of Mahler symphonic works, and on 31 May performs Totenfeier, the early version of the 1st movement of his second symphony. Programmed with Mendelssohn and a new song cycle by Torsten Rasch, Vladimir talks about the links between the works, and the intriguing lyrics to Rasch's My Heart is on Fire. The podcast starts with news from members of the Foyle Future Firsts apprenticeship scheme - young musicians who take part in a range of rehearsal, education and performance opportunities with the orchestra. Concert Date 29 April 2009: Foyle Future Firsts showcase - Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Mahler 31 May 2009: Mahler, Mendelssohn, Rasch, conducted by Vladimir Jurowski Piazolla arr. Adams: La Mufa - Tango. Foyle Future Firsts conducted by Scott Stroman. Mahler: Symphony No. 2. Wiener Philharmonic conducted by Gilbert Kaplan. Torsten Rasch: My Heart is on Fire. Dresdner Sinfoniker conducted by John Carewe. Soloists René Pape and Katharina Thalbach. DG 476 116-9

Chamber Music at Wigmore Hall - April 2009

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the London Philharmonic Orchestra's Wigmore Hall podcast special. This season marks the fourth year that the London Philharmonic Orchestra has promoted a chamber music series at Wigmore Hall. It provides the opportunity for members of the Orchestra to perform in small ensembles, and for audiences to hear programmes of less familiar works, often for unusual instrumental combinations. In this podcast soloists from the Orchestra discuss their love of chamber music and how it complemenets their daily work as members of a symphony orchestra, and music writer Anthony Burton explores the theme of Originals and Transcriptions, the title of the Chamber Contrasts concert on 16 April. Concert Date 16 April 2009: Originals and Transcriptions Mendelssohn Octet and Weber Clarinet Quintet: Soloists of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, recorded in rehearsal. Beethoven Quintet in E flat Op.16: Murray Perahia and the ECO. Sony SK2099. Beethoven Piano Quartet in E flat after Quintet Op.16: Ax, Stern, Laredo, Ma. Sony SK 53339. With thanks to Sony BMG for permission to use these clips.

Exploring Valentin Silvestrov's Fifth Symphony - April 2009

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the London Philharmonic Orchestra's April 2009 podcast, presented by Edward Seckerson.S This month focuses on Valentin Silvestrov's 5th Symphony - an extraordinary work of the late 1980s which has gained a large worldwide following. Experiencing this work in concert is described by conductor Vladimir Jurowski as 'a musical out-of-body experience'. This special edition features contributions from Megadisc Classics' Patrick de Clerck, musicologist Professor David Fanning and Vladimir Jurowski, who also introduces the music of the other composers in the programme on 22 April at the Royal Festival Hall - Yusupov and Kancheli. We need your feedback! Please fill out our short online questionnaire about the podcasts to tell us what we're doing well, where we could improve, and what you'd like to hear in future podcasts. Plus the chance to win a box set of CDs on the LPO own label. http://www.lpo.org.uk/podcasts . Concert Date 22 April 2009: Silvestrov Symphony No.5, Kancheli Another Step, Yusupov Cello Concerto Music excerpts playlist All clips: Valentin Silvestrov Symphony No.5 The Ural Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrej Borejko - conductor. Megadisc Classics MDC7836 With thanks to M. P. Belaieff Publishing House for their support of this podcast.

Conductors Christoph Eschenbach and Marin Alsop, plus 2009-10 season overview - March 2009

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the London Philharmonic Orchestra's March 2009 podcast. Conductor Christoph Eschenbach talks to Edward Seckerson about his early career as a pianist, the heritage of the London Philharmonic Orchestra's sound, and his two concerts on 11 and 14 March 2009. Marin Alsop shares the reasons she loves working with the Orchestra, her passion for new music, the importance Leonard Bernstein played as her mentor, and looks ahead to her concerts with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 2010. The new season of concerts from September 2009 has recently been announced, and Timothy Walker, the Orchestra's Chief Executive and Artistic Director, gives an overview and picks his highlights. This month's CD release is Vladimir Jurowski conducting three early works by Benjamin Britten: Double Concerto (soloists Pieter Schoeman and Alexander Zemtsov), Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, and Les Illuminations (with soprano Sally Matthews). Music clips featured on the podcast: Clip 1: Brahms Symphony No 1 LPO conducted by Marin Alsop. Naxos 8.55748. Used by kind permission of Naxos. Clip 2: Schubert Symphony No 9 Clip 3: Bernstein Age of Anxiety. New York Philharmonic conducted by Leonard Bernstein, piano: Philippe Entremont. Used by kind permission of Sony Music. Clip 4: Higdon Percussion Concerto. LPO conducted by Marin Alsop. Percussion Colin Currie. LPO-0035 Clip 5: Sibelius Symphony No 2. LPO conducted by Paavo Berglund. LPO-0005 Clip6: Britten Les Illuminations. LPO conducted by Vladimir Jurowski. Soprano Sally Matthews. LPO-0037

Leon Fleisher's return to performance, plus Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Vladimir Jurowski - February 2009

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the London Philharmonic Orchestra's February 2009 podcast. Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Orchestra's new Principal Guest Conductor, talks to Edward Seckerson about his affinity for Bruckner, the character of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and his early determination to become a conductor. Vladimir Jurowksi introduces the minimalist soundworld of Vladimir Martynov's new opera, Vita Nuova, which will be performed on 18 February, and we catch up with the medical advances that have allowed legendary pianist Leon Fleisher to return to the platform after decades of performing only with his left hand. This month's CD release is Klaus Tennstedt conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra in Beethoven's monumental Symphony No 9. Music clips featured on the podcast: Clips 1 and 2: Bruckner Symphony No 7 LPO conducted by Klaus Tenntedt. LPO-0039. Clips 3 and 4: Martynov Vita Nuova Clips 5 and 6: Mozart Piano Concerto No 23 Clip 7: Beethoven Symphony No 9 LPO conducted by Klaus Tennstedt. LPO-0026. Find out more about Martynov's opera at http://www.lpo.org.uk/explore

Mark Elder and Jonathan Biss in conversation - January 2009

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT

American pianist Jonathan Biss makes his debut with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in Mozart's Piano Concerto No 22 conducted by Marin Alsop. Edward Seckerson speaks to Jonathan about the delights and challenges of an international career. On 24 January, Mark Elder conducts Strauss's Sinfonia Domestica and explains why he believes this work is one of Strauss's most under-rated tonepoems, and introduces Martinu's The Frescoes of Piero della Francesca. Music clips featured on the podcast: Clips 1, 5, 7: Strauss Sinfonia Domestica Tonhalle Orchester, Zurich conducted by David Zinman. Arte Nova Classics 74321 98335 2. Used with kind permission of Sony BMG Clip 2: Beethoven – Pathetique Sonata (Rondo) Jonathan Biss. EMI - 0094639442225. Used with kind permission of EMI Clip 3: Mozart – Piano Concerto No 22 (1st movement) Jonathan Biss, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. EMI – 5099921727023. Used with kind permission of EMI. Clip 4: Schumann – Fantasie in C. Jonathan Biss. EMI - 0094636539126. Used with kind permission of EMI Biss's artist pages: http://www.emiclassics.com/artistbiography.php?aid=113 Clip 6: Martinu – Frescoes of Piero della Francesca (1st movement) Clip 8: Stravinsky – The Firebird Suite (Finale) LPO conducted by Sir Georg Solti. LPO-0025.

Opera in the concert hall - December 2008

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The London Philharmonic Orchestra is familiar with opera, spending up to 4 months each year as the resident orchestra at Glyndebourne Festival Opera. What happens if you release the Orchestra from the pit, and place them centre stage at the Royal Festival Hall for concert performances of opera? Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski talks to Edward Seckerson about the importance of Wagner's Tristan and Isolde, and Opera Rara's David Parry uncovers hidden gems of the operatic repertoire by Donizetti and Rossini. Music clips featured on the podcast: Clip 1: Rossini: Bianca e Falliero. Act 1 LPO conducted by David Parry. ORC20. Used by kind permission of Opera Rara Clips 2 and 3: Wagner: Tristan and Isolde LPO conducted by Jiri Belohlavek. Nina Stemme (Isolde), Robert Gambill (Tristan). OA-0988D (DVD) Used by kind permission of Opus Arte and Glyndebourne Clip 4: Donizetti: Il diluvio universale. Act 1 LPO conducted by Giuliano Carella. ORC31. Used by kind permission of Opera Rara Clip 5: Rossini: La donna del lago. Act II Rondo finale. Scottish Chamber Orchestra conducted by Maurizio Benini, soprano Carmen Giannattasio. ORC34. Used by kind permission of Opera Rara Clip 6: Elgar: Froissart, Concert Overture Op 19 LPO conducted by Edward Elgar. LPO-0016-20 (5 CD set).

Tchaikovsky, touring and family concerts - November 2008

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:30:00 GMT

Following on from the Revealing Tchaikovsky festival, the Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky's Pathétique Symphony on November 26 in London after an 8 concert tour in Germany. Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski explores how the context for the symphony can change the audience's perception of the music. Discover the truth about touring with four players from the Orchestra, and enter the world of FUNharmonics Family Concerts with their presenter - Chris Jarvis of CBeebies TV. Podcast presented by Edward Seckerson. You can win the Orchestra's Children's CD by naming one of the works on the CD. Send your answer to info@lpo.org.uk by 19 November 2008 to enter the draw. This month's new CD release is of Rachmaninov's Symphony No 3, conducted by Osmo Vänskä. Clips 1-4: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 LPO conducted by Sir Georg Solti. LPO-0098 Clip 5: Wagner: The Ride of the Valkyries LPO conducted by Klaus Tennstedt. LPO-0003 Clip 6: Paul Patterson: Little Red Riding Hood LPO conducted by David Parry. Chris Jarvis – narrator. LPO-0015 Clip 7: Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 3 (movement 3) LPO conducted by Osmo Vänskä. LPO-0036

Revealing Tchaikovsky festival - October 2008

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:15:00 GMT

The London Philharmonic Orchestra's two week festival Revealing Tchaikovsky opens on 22 October. Artistic Director Vladimir Jurowski explores the importance of this composer to his own musical upbringing, and the influence Tchaikovsky had on later composers such as Mahler and Shostakovich. Jurowski and presenter Edward Seckerson also discuss what performances of Tchaikovsky on period instruments can show us, and the important role the audience has in a concert. Plus: who were Taneyev and Kalinnikov, and what does their music sound like? You can win a pair of tickets to the festival concert of your choice by answering the following question: What is the nickname of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No 1? Send your answer to info@lpo.org.uk by 15 October 2008 to enter the draw. This month's new CD release includes Jennifer Higdon's Percussion Concerto, performed by Colin Currie with conductor Marin Alsop.

Vaughan Williams, Stravinsky and Turnage - September 2008

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:15:00 GMT

Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski talks about the links between the four works that make up the opening concert of the season - Vaughan Williams, Ligeti, Turnage and Stravinsky- and the similarities he sees between Vaughan Williams and Prokofiev. Edward Seckerson also speaks to composer Mark-Anthony Turnage about the new violin concerto that he has written for Christian Tetzlaff, and his relationship with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The podcast closes with an excerpt from the Orchestra's new CD release: Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10 conducted by Bernard Haitink.

Season introduction - August 2008

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:14:00 GMT

Presenter Edward Seckerson picks his highlights of the new season in conversation with the London Philharmonic Orchestra's Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Timothy Walker. They also discuss taking risks with unfamiliar works, and the uniqueness of live performance. The podcast closes with an excerpt from the Orchestra's latest CD release: Mahler's Symphony No. 5, recorded at a concert in January 2008.