It is well-recognised that the London Symphony Orchestra is a world-leader in recording music for film. In fact, the LSO recorded the first symphonic score specially composed for a film (Sir Arthur Bliss’ score for Things to Come in 1935). The Orchestra has since recorded music for hundreds of films, including Pixar’s Brave, four of the Harry Potter films, Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star Wars.
Back in November, we introduced you to master violin-maker Antonio Stradivari and took a closer look at the 'Gariel' Stradivarius played by Nicola Benedetti. Now we turn our attention to some of the violins (and violinists) that will be gracing the Barbican stage with the LSO in Spring.
After a sell-out Phase I showcase, composer Alex Ho gives us an insight into his new piece In Significance ahead of its premiere at the LSO Soundhub Phase II showcase on Saturday 15 February.
Ahead of the world premiere of his piece Thymiaterion on Thursday 27 February, we caught up with James Albany Hoyle to ask about his compositional process, the people and music that inspire him, and what a thymiaterion actually is...
'20 years ago, I considered Prokofiev a genius and Shostakovich merely a ‘great’ composer. Nowadays I have changed my mind: I think of Prokofiev as an incredibly gifted composer, but Shostakovich is a genius.' Gianandrea Noseda, LSO Principal Guest Conductor
