Ondřej Adámek & Beethoven

Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony finds its 21st-century counterpart, as Sir Simon Rattle and Magdalena Kožená give the UK premiere of Ondřej Adámek’s Where Are You?

Beethoven’s Sixth symphony embraces every aspect of country life – from birdsong and brooks to thunderstorms and folk dance. The Pastoral symphony draws solace and strength from the woods and fields it depicts, revealing how nature, like music, can heal and fulfil.

Ondřej Adámek’s stunning new work, premiered tonight by Magdalena Kožená, provides a thought-provoking counterpoint to Beethoven’s timeless beauty. His spiritual quest takes him from the rustic faith of his Moravian roots to the sacred poetry of Catholicism, Judaism and the Bhagavad-Gita. Critics at the world premiere in Munich in March described Where Are You? as ‘unforgettable and moving’. Conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, Adámek and Beethoven showcase the natural power of music.

Programme update
Please note that in a change to earlier listings this concert will now run through without an interval.