Season Opening: MacMillan and Sibelius 1
Stream on BBC Sounds
The Concert
Carl Nielsen
Helios Overture
James MacMillan
Concerto for Orchestra
(world premiere; LSO commission)
Interval
Jean Sibelius
Symphony No 1
Sir Antonio Pappano conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
Stream
Available to listen online on BBC Sounds
The Concert
Sir Antonio Pappano opens a new chapter as Chief Conductor of the LSO, conjuring stunning landscapes from Nielsen and Sibelius – and a world premiere by Sir James MacMillan.
The Music
Sunrise lights up the sparkling Aegean seas: the cinematic opening of Nielsen’s Helios Overture ushers in a new season with Sir Antonio Pappano, Chief Conductor, at the helm.
James MacMillan has explored the concerto in a kaleidoscope of forms – from saxophone to organ to percussion. This time he places the whole orchestra in the spotlight in his brand new Concerto for Orchestra – a thrilling showpiece for the musicians of the LSO.
The first of Sibelius’ seven symphonies is bursting with melodic invention and beautiful solos for woodwind and strings. In Pappano’s own words, ‘I hear those typical Sibelian evocations of nature, and the primeval history of that land’ – concluding a programme that evokes light, sky and landscape.
The Performers
The LSO and Pappano give vivid life to spectacular orchestral colours, with every instrument getting their moment in the sun – a radiant programme to usher in a new era.
Recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds
Header Image © Frances Marshall
