BMW LSO Open Air Classics

Monday 27 May 2013 6.30pm
Trafalgar Square

A free concert with the London Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor Valery Gergiev in the heart of London.

Artists:
London Symphony Orchestra
Valery Gergiev conductor
Rachel Leach presenter
LSO On Track young musicians

Programme:
Berlioz Overture: Le corsaire
Berlioz arr Gareth Glyn Movements from Symphonie fantastique
Berlioz Symphony fantastique

Outstanding music performed in the open air – free for everyone in an informal atmosphere. Large screens were mounted on either side of the stage to allow the audience to witness the concert close up.

Tourists and natives, young and old, classical music devotees and casual bypassers: all stood or sat silent for two hours - except when the music stopped and a football-style roar erupted. I have been in grand halls where the audience seemed less gripped.
The Times, May 2012

Following the outstandingly successful first open-air, free concert in May 2012, the London Symphony Orchestra in partnership with BMW and the Mayor of London returned to Trafalgar Square on 27 May 2013.

Principal Conductor of the LSO, Valery Gergiev conducted an all-Berlioz programme. The aim of BMW LSO Open Air Classics is to bring outstanding music performed in the open air – free for everyone in an informal atmosphere.

Gergiev and the LSO performed Berlioz’s Overture Le corsaire, and Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique. In a performance of a specially arranged version of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique by Gareth Glyn 80 young musicians, including conservatoire students and LSO On Track young musicians from LSO Discovery, the Orchestra’s award-winning music education and community programme, played alongside the LSO players. LSO animateur and composer Rachel Leach presented the concert from the stage, guiding the audience through the music. Large screens were mounted on either side of the stage to allow the audience to witness the concert up close.

Young Londoners who have benefited from the Mayor's Music Fund also attended the concert. The charity gives support to young people with musical potential whose families cannot always meet the cost of instrumental tuition, and provides opportunities for them to meet and even play with professionals.