Our monthly series of video podcasts takes you behind the scenes with the Philharmonia Orchestra, including interviews with conductors, soloists and listening guides to famous pieces from the classical repertoire.
(Philharmonia Orchestra) podcast@philharmonia.co.uk
What does an orchestra do when it's not on stage? Since its inception, the Philharmonia has been renowned for its work as a recording orchestra. We can regularly be found in the studio recording for film and video games, as well as recording concert works. Join Patrick Bailey to explore the off-stage work of the orchestra, featuring music by composer Jessica Curry. --- We’re in this together. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like you to support the work we do through successes as well as these periods of difficulty. Please consider making a donation to our Keep the Philharmonia Playing appeal to secure our future and help us stay digitally connected with our audiences around the world. Like many performing arts organisations, the Philharmonia is facing significant disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to thank all of our supporters, Friends, audience members and wider community at this challenging time. We are doing everything possible to be performing live again soon. https://tickets.philharmonia.co.uk/contributions/donations
How do 60 individual violins, violas, cellos and basses transform into the lush sound of an orchestral string section? Who do they follow? What makes them all move together? Find out all of their secrets in this film. And subscribe to our YouTube channel to be alerted when our brand new series on the sections of the orchestra continues with the woodwind section. Keep the Philharmonia Playing: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/donate
Mahler’s The Song of the Earth is an hour-long, soul-searching journey in the company of a composer examining his own mortality and love for life from all angles. --- While we can't perform it for you tonight, conductor Xian Zhang spoke to us about the challenges of conducting the piece, as well as her time learning her craft under the tuition of Lorin Maazel. Like many performing arts organisations, the Philharmonia is facing significant disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to thank all of our supporters, Friends, audience members and wider community at this challenging time. We are doing everything possible to be performing live again soon. https://philharmonia.co.uk/donate
Last, but certainly not least. Join presenter Paul Rissmann to discover the final symphony from the remarkably prolific composer, Joseph Haydn. You’ll learn the importance of symmetry within the work, Haydn’s creative use of tiny motifs, and the importance of silence.
“If after this concert you don’t fall in love with classical music, you never will.” – Pablo Heras-Casado Meet Spanish conductor Pablo Heras-Casado ahead of his concerts of Russian classics this April. Maestro Heras-Casado shares his appreciation of the Philharmonia, his thoughts on the accessibility of classical music, and chats about Mussorgsky’s colourful classic, Pictures at an Exhibition, arranged by composer Maurice Ravel. Concerts: 1 April, Leicester: https://philharmonia.co.uk/whats-on/200401_pictures-at-an-exhibition/ 2 April, London: https://philharmonia.co.uk/whats-on/190402-heras-casado/ 3 April, Cardiff: https://philharmonia.co.uk/whats-on/cardiff-liszt-stravinsky/ 5 April, Basingstoke: https://philharmonia.co.uk/whats-on/200405-pictures-at-an-exhibition/ With thanks to Sea Containers London.
Perfectionism... Swans... Finland... What do these all have to do with music? Discover the story behind Jean Sibelius’s famous 5th Symphony as described by presenter Paul Rissmann. You’ll learn what to listen out for and how this masterful work was written. Featuring extracts played in the studio by Philharmonia musicians. Catch Sibelius Symphony No. 5 live in concert on 21 May 2020 in London at Royal Festival Hall, conducted by our Principal Conductor Designate, Santtu-Matias Rouvali: https://philharmonia.co.uk/whats-on/philharmonia-21-05-20/
The Virtual Orchestra travelled to our UK residencies in 2018 and 2019, offering audiences the chance to experience a symphony orchestra from the inside. We worked with local partners including community centres, charities, arts organisations and councils to bring orchestral music to new audiences. Check out this film to find out more about the project or head to the website to read our new report that shares our highlights, challenges, and outcomes from the project. https://philharmonia.co.uk/initial-report-into-the-virtual-orchestra
“The moment Lise sang the first phrase, everybody’s jaw dropped in the orchestra. I have never seen this kind of thing before.” – Esa-Pekka Salonen Hear Lise Davidsen and Esa-Pekka Salonen in concert with the Philharmonia Orchestra on 19 March 2020 at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London: https://philharmonia.co.uk/whats-on/200319-esa-pekka-salonen-mahler-and-schumann/ Link to the recording of Lise Davidsen with the Philharmonia Orchestra on Decca: https://decca.lnk.to/LiseDavidsen0F The Mahler: Songs of Life concerts are supported by members of the Mahler Syndicate: Naomi and Christophe Kasolowsky, Caroline Tate, Marina Vaizey, John and Carol Wates, and others who wish to remain anonymous.
Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen, chats about how composer Gustav Mahler used and re-used vocal music. Music from his song cycles can later be heard in his symphonies. Discover more in this film and join us for in London for our concert series, Mahler: Songs of Life, throughout our 2019/20 season: https://philharmonia.co.uk/whats-on/?date=all&location=all&type=all&event-group=1562 The Mahler: Songs of Life concerts are supported by members of the Mahler Syndicate: Naomi and Christophe Kasolowsky, Caroline Tate, Marina Vaizey, John and Carol Wates, and others who wish to remain anonymous.
“Everything was just a disaster. Most likely, people who survived it, when they walked out of there, they were completely confused and bewildered. There is something really attractive about the total excess of it.” – Esa-Pekka Salonen Listen to Esa-Pekka Salonen, our Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, talk about why he’s reconstructing one of the most famous concerts ever: Beethoven’s legendary 1808 concert in Vienna. The concert was plagued by mishaps and ran for four hours, but those who were there heard the premieres of some of the greatest music of all time: Beethoven’s 5th and 6th Symphonies and the 4th Piano Concerto, performed by Beethoven himself. You can join us for a reconstruction of this concert in March 2020, conducted by our Principal Conductor, Esa-Pekka Salonen. 14 March 2020, The Anvil, Basingstoke: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2658/basingstoke_beethoven_250 15 March 2020, Royal Festival Hall, London: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2528/beethoven_1808_reconstructed Watch our animated film telling the story of this concert in our podcast feed.
Vienna, 22 December 1808. Franz and Katarina are on their way to hear a concert that the famous composer and pianist, Ludwig van Beethoven, is putting on at the Teater an der Wien. They are in for a night they will never forget. Discover the story behind one of the most famous concerts of all time in our animated film. You can join us for a reconstruction of this concert in March 2020, conducted by our Principal Conductor, Esa-Pekka Salonen. 14 March 2020, The Anvil, Basingstoke: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2658/basingstoke_beethoven_250 15 March 2020, Royal Festival Hall, London: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2528/beethoven_1808_reconstructed Listen to Principal Conductor & Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen, talk about why he wanted to reconstruct this famous concert in our next podcast, also out today.
In 2020 we mark 75 years since the Philharmonia Orchestra was founded - three quarters of a century of brilliant live music-making, definitive recordings, technological innovation and artistic adventure. Our Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen, reflects on the founding ethos of the Philharmonia and how it has continued to attract the finest musicians to play in its ranks. Discover our concert series here: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/POat75 Watch more films about our story here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqR22EoucCycOGFfrFJY587duxWWBYhvu
Seasons Greetings from everyone at the Philharmonia Orchestra! Enjoy our 2019 Christmas Card, filmed in the ancient church of St Bartholomew the Great in London, with the Philharmonia’s four horns – Nigel Black, Kira Doherty, Diego Incertis Sánchez and Carsten Williams. In Dulci Jubilo was arranged by Philharmonia No. 3 Cello, Richard Birchall. Hear more from our fantastic horn section in Horn Calls, featuring Richard Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel, Thu 16 Jan, 7.30pm, Royal Festival Hall, London. Book here: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2508/horn_calls www.philharmonia.co.uk/christmas
Meet Tom Blomfield, Principal Oboe of the Philharmonia Orchestra, to learn more about what it’s like to be an oboist and to discover the fascinating story behind the Strauss Oboe Concerto. Created in the aftermath of World War II, this nostalgic piece is one of the few opportunities an oboe soloist gets to stand in front of a symphony orchestra. The concerto also forms a part of the Philharmonia Orchestra’s great recording legacy – the Philharmonia made the first recording of the piece in 1947. Tom Blomfield performs the Strauss Oboe Concerto on 19 January 2020 as part of the Philharmonia Orchestra’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen. Find out more and book here: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2510/voices_of_1945
Philharmonia No. 2 Horn, Kira Doherty, meets up with Richard Watkins, Principal Horn of the Philharmonia Orchestra from 1985-1996, at the Museum of the Royal Academy of Music in London to dive into the legacy of the first Principal Horn of the Philharmonia, Dennis Brain. This is a rare opportunity to hear the instrument Brain played in the 1950s before his early death. The Philharmonia Orchestra celebrates 75 years in 2020. On 16 January 2020, Richard Watkins performs the Serenade for Horn, Tenor and Strings by Benjamin Britten and a new piece for horn, 'Towards Alba', by composer Mark-Anthony Turnage. Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts. https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2508/horn_calls Full chat between Kira Doherty and Richard Watkins: https://youtu.be/fmo7Dk4uR1E Watch a chat between Richard Watkins and Mark-Anthony Turnage here: https://youtu.be/mNL7L916078
Meet Richard Watkins, Principal Horn of the Philharmonia Orchestra from 1985-1996, as he chats with composer and friend, Mark-Anthony Turnage at the Philharmonia offices in London. Turnage has composed a new piece for horn and orchestra called 'Towards Alba', which he wrote for Richard Watkins. The piece was commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra with support from John and Carol Wates as part of the Orchestra's 75th birthday celebrations in 2020. Find out all about this new piece and how these artists have worked together in our film, and then join us in London for the world premiere on 16 January 2020, conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2508/horn_calls
By popular demand, we present a full-length guide to the bass clarinet, presented by Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Bass Clarinet, Laurent Ben Slimane. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro 00:48 – What is a bass clarinet? 01:13 – How do you put it together? 02:33 – How does the sound get created? 03:55 – How does the pitch get changed? 04:43 – What is a transposing instrument? 05:08 – How did you get started on the bass clarinet? 05:50 – What are the keys like? 06:36 – How do you hold your instrument? 08:35 – Playing other woodwind instruments 08:57 – Doubling on other clarinets 09:49 – Articulations 10:34 – Embouchure & Puffing Cheeks 12:39 – Special techniques 14:04 – Tchaikovsky, Manfred Symphony 14:46 – Shostakovich, Violin Concerto No. 1, Scherzo 15:31 – Shostakovich, 7th Symphony 17:35 – Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring 19:17 – Richard Strauss, Don Quixote 21:08 – Learning the bass clarinet 21:40 – Different models Watch the full instrument playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqR22EoucCyccs5J639SCefaM7mD9dMSz Subscribe: www.youtube.com/philharmonialondon
The Philharmonia Orchestra and Raze Collective present a queer extravaganza of contemporary cabaret on Mon 23 Sept in the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer, Southbank Centre, London, at 8:45pm. This free show is inspired by the cabaret scene of Weimar Berlin and is a collaboration between Philharmonia players and London-based performance artists. Our documentary goes behind-the-scenes on the rehearsals: meet the artists and hear what they have been working on! Cabaret artists: Bourgeois & Maurice Sadie Sinner The Songbird and Rudy Jeevanjee Alicia Jane Turner and RODENT Philharmonia musicians: Nicholas Bootiman, viola Kira Doherty, horn Louise Goodwin, percussion John Evans, arrangements & keys This is a FREE event:https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2574/free_performance_post-show_cabaret Full Weimar Berlin series: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/weimar_berlin
The Weimar Republic was a time of great social and artistic advances, but shaky politics and a disastrous economy made it ripe for the rise of National Socialism – the Nazis. Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, which brought an end to the Weimar Republic. As part of his swift project of cultural eradication, books were burned and people contrary to the regime, or who simply did not fit the Nazi’s ideal of the “Aryan” race, were arrested, murdered or forced to flee Germany. In our last film we explore the effects of the rise of the Nazis, and Weimar’s legacy. These six films form the introduction to the Philharmonia’s concert series Weimar Berlin: Bittersweet Metropolis, which returns 23 September 2019 at Southbank Centre, London: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/series/82/weimar_berlin_bittersweet_metropolis
Cabaret was hugely important during the Weimar Republic as a form of social protest and social critique. Its influence went beyond bars and music halls – film and theatre quickly adopted its rougher aesthetic and its subject matter. One of the most prominent collaborations of the day was between composer Kurt Weill and playwright Bertolt Brecht, who created The Threepenny Opera, which was later turned into a film. This period also launched the career of legendary singer and actor Marlene Dietrich, famous for her role in film The Blue Angel. These six films form the introduction to the Philharmonia’s concert series Weimar Berlin: Bittersweet Metropolis, which continues 23 September 2019 at Southbank Centre, London: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/series/82/weimar_berlin_bittersweet_metropolis
In 1919, not only was the Weimar Republic founded, but Walter Gropius, the architect, also founded what would become a game-changing art school – the Bauhaus. In this film we travel to Weimar and Dessau to uncover what it was like to be a student at the Bauhaus, especially as a woman. Historian Philipp Blom and writer Theresia Enzensberger explain the parallels to our own time, and how technology and art intersected to create a new, utopian vision for life and design. Series Advisor, Gavin Plumley, also shares Walter Gropius’s curious connection to the world of music. These six films form the introduction to the Philharmonia’s concert series Weimar Berlin: Bittersweet Metropolis, which continues 23 September 2019 at Southbank Centre, London: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/series/82/weimar_berlin_bittersweet_metropolis
In January 2019, the Philharmonia Orchestra and Soft Touch Arts (Leicester, UK) embarked upon another season of Symphonize, a pioneering creative partnership enabling young people from across Leicester to work alongside producers and musicians to create, compose, produce and perform their own original tracks and video art. Following a series of taster workshops and an intensive week-long project, the project culminated in a concert at Sue Townsend Theatre in Leicester on Saturday 12 January. New for 2019 was a documentary that was shown before the live performance to give insight into the creative process, which drew inspiration from Britten’s Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra. This film is presented by one of the participants. Find out more about Symphonize here: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/education/schools_and_young_people/symphonize
Berlin. An epicentre. A capital city. A playground. The city of Berlin was the Weimar Republic’s hub, transforming itself into a multicultural melting pot where rules could be bent and new ways of being were more accepted. However, people questioned this modern way of living and were sceptical of the rise of technology and a more relaxed approach to gender norms. Cabaret, theatre and film all contributed to a critique of society while the rise of Fascism inevitably marched forward. Observers like writer Christopher Isherwood recorded this remarkable period in his Berlin novels, including Goodbye to Berlin. Learn more about this exciting metropolis in The City Electric. These six films form the introduction to the Philharmonia’s concert series Weimar Berlin: Bittersweet Metropolis, which opens 9 June at Southbank Centre, London: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/series/82/weimar_berlin_bittersweet_metropolis
The composers of the Weimar Republic provided a soundtrack for the events that unfolded in Germany between 1919 and 1933. During this tumultuous, exciting time, composers such as Kurt Weill, Paul Hindemith and Alban Berg thrived and produced works that still thrill us today. The sounds of cabaret and jazz infused Weill’s Threepenny Opera while Paul Hindemith and Alban Berg took a more objective approach, creating music to “reach out beyond political boundaries.” The influence of Weimar was so infectious that a young Shostakovich, based in Russia, enriched his own music with its sounds, as heard in his jazzy ballet, A Golden Age. These six films form the introduction to the Philharmonia’s concert series Weimar Berlin: Bittersweet Metropolis, which opens 9 June at Southbank Centre, London: www.philharmonia.co.uk/weimar_berlin
Join cultural historian Gavin Plumley and the Philharmonia on a journey around Germany and discover the sights and sounds of the Weimar Republic in the first of a series of six films. Following World War I, Germany was in tatters. What emerged from the ashes was a new republic, founded in Weimar with the aim for a more progressive, modern Germany. What followed was just over a decade of extraordinary cultural and artistic experimentation. Dietrich, Weill, Brecht, Gropius and Dix – just a few of the many cultural figures during this remarkable period. In these films, the Philharmonia Orchestra will take you to Berlin, Weimar, Dessau and Buchenwald while experts dig into the history, music, art, films and theatre of the period. These six films form the introduction to the Philharmonia’s concert series Weimar Berlin: Bittersweet Metropolis, which opens 9 June at Southbank Centre, London: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/series/82/weimar_berlin_bittersweet_metropolis
“He was born into the wrong time” The greatest composer you’ve never heard of: our Principal Guest Conductor Jakub Hrůša guides you through the inspiring musical life and heartbreaking story, of Miloslav Kabeláč. Explore his revelatory music on 22 November, when we follow The Mystery of Time with Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances and Shostakovich’s Second Piano Concerto: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2120/jakub_hrusa_dvorak_and_shostakovich
“It doesn’t belong just to the Chinese, it’s kind of a present for all the people.” Go beyond Western traditions and discover the ancient Chinese sheng, as acclaimed artist Wu Wei reveals his instrument's secrets in conversation with bassist Mike Fuller in our brand new film. Hear Wu Wei perform live with us on 5 April, in a concert showcasing the sheng's full musical range: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2160/music_of_today_wu_wei_artist_portrait
“Just be there and Bruckner takes care of you” Esa-Pekka Salonen introduces his love of Bruckner’s music ahead of our 2018/19 London Season opening concerts. Hear him conducts Bruckner’s Sixth (27 Sep) and Seventh (30 Sep) symphonies live at Southbank Centre: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1819opening
"The link is Wagner, tying everything together." Esa-Pekka Salonen introduces his programmes - of Bruckner, Schoenberg & Wagner - to open our 2018/19 London Season at Southbank Centre on 27 and 30 September 2018: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1819opening
In this film, Nigel Woodhouse introduces the banjo. The banjo is a rare visitor to the orchestra, but has been used by composers in the 20th century onward to evoke American folk music and jazz especially. All of our instrument films: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqR22EoucCyccs5J639SCefaM7mD9dMSz
“Bright and vibrant and energetic – exactly how I planned it.” – Hannah Kendall, composer British composer Hannah Kendall on her music, her love of teaching, and on growing up in London – what inspires and drives her as an artist. Following the Philharmonia Orchestra’s world premiere of her new piece, Baptistry, in May, we’re looking forward to performing it again at the Three Choirs Festival in July: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2238/hereford/hereford_cathedral/29_july_2018/three_choirs_festival_the_planets
In this film, Nigel Woodhouse introduces the mandolin. The mandolin has been used by many composers across the centuries to give special colour to the orchestra, often evoking folk music. TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 Orchestral Extract: Mozart, Don Giovanni, Deh, vieni, alla finestra 00:46 Composers who wrote for the mandolin 01:08 The Neopolitan mandolin 02:00 The origins of the mandolin 03:05 Mandolin vs Violin – Similarities and Differences 04:33 Playing the mandolin – The Frets 05:19 Playing the mandolin – Chords 05:55 Playing the mandolin – The Plectrum 06:18 Playing the mandolin – Sustaining the Sound 06:46 Orchestral extract: Antonio Vivaldi, Mandolin Concerto in C major 07:53 Development of string materials, from gut to metal 08:48 Tremolo Technique 09:56 Orchestral extract: Gustav Mahler, Symphony No. 7 10:44 The Duo Style 11:47 Development of the mandolin – Extending the range 12:04 Orchestral extract: Sergei Prokofiev, Romeo and Juliet, Aubade 12:39 Orchestral extract: Stravinsky, Agon, Galliarde 13:28 Orchestral extract: Webern, Five Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 10 14:11 Orchestral extract: Ottorino Respighi, Roman Festivals 15:13 The American Mandolin 16:57 Musical example: Kesh Jig – trad. Irish 18:07 Bluegrass style 18:51 How the mandolin got its name 19:12 Harmonics 19:56 String tension and finger maintenance 20:24 How Nigel started playing the mandolin 20:55 Tips for getting started on the mandolin Learn all about the instruments of the orchestra in our Instruments playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqR22EoucCyccs5J639SCefaM7mD9dMSz
"You expect Frank Sinatra to sing this sort of music, these sorts of harmony changes. But it’s a Prokofiev Violin Concerto." - violinist Pekka Kuusisto on Prokofiev's First Violin Concerto Pekka Kuusisto takes a very personal look at Prokofiev's light-filled First Violin Concerto, which he performs with the Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy in May 2018: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/series/68/voices_of_revolution_russia_1917
“Strauss can be conducted by an orangutan and it still sounds pretty nice. Mahler... not so.” Esa-Pekka Salonen reveals why so many conductors fall in love with Mahler’s enigmatic music. Join us as he brings to life the raucous First Symphony in Leicester, Basingstoke and London next week: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/soloist/63/fray__david
“There is no boundary or difference: even different skin, different religion or different culture – we are all children of the stars.” Music to expand your horizons: mystical, echoing, otherworldly, Unsuk Chin’s The Song of the Children of the Stars sets 13 poems spanning centuries and continents, contemplating our place in the universe. Hear her introduce her music in conversation with Jonathan Cross, ahead of our European premiere on 15 April: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1754
“It’s a wild piece by a wild young man, and should not be treated with any kind of reverence” – Esa-Pekka Salonen shares his thoughts on how provocation turns to nostalgia in Mahler’s First Symphony. Join us in April for a world of klezmer, Austrian countryside and even Frère Jacques – “with a few kicks here and there”: http://bit.ly/2tjbZRe
In this film, Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Trombone, Byron Fulcher, introduces the euphonium, an instrument that is an occasional visitor to the orchestra. TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:18 Meaning of "euphonium" 00:40 Choices when buying a euphonium 00:59 The emergence of valved brass instruments 01:25 UK brass band history & the euphonium 02:22 "Tenor tuba" and how the euphonium became part of the orchestra 03:12 How you make a sound 03:55 The wide range of the euphonium & the compensating system 09:09 The valves and how they work 09:54 Vibrato 11:00 Mutes 11:38 How often Byron plays the euphonium in the orchestra 12:21 Orchestral extract: Mussorsgky, Pictures at an Exhibition, Bydlo 14:00 Orchestral extract: R Strauss, Don Quixote, Maggiore: Sancho Panza 15:05 Orchestral extract: Mahler, Symphony No. 7, I. Langsam - Allegro risoluto, ma non troppo 16:14 Orchestral extract: Holst, The Planets, Jupiter 16:35 Foster: Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair 17:20 Jean-Baptiste Arban and the Airs Variés 18:07 Carnaval de Venise, theme and variations, arranged by Arban 19:29 Articulation, including double and triple tonguing 21:01 Brass solo competitions in the UK 21:19 Who plays the euphonium in the orchestra? 21:38 How Byron learned euphonium 21:55 Mishaps Learn all about the instruments of the orchestra in our Instruments playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
"Everyone can find a link to Mahler’s music" Hear that unique human connection in his Fifth Symphony, live in concert with our Principal Guest Conductor Jakub Hrůša: http://bit.ly/2CQ7oGv
"What is an orchestra for, in our world as it is today?" Find out, in our new season - on sale now: philharmonia.co.uk/london1819 (Soundtrack: Ottorino Respighi, Pines of the Villa Borghese from Pines of Rome. Hear it in concert on 28 Feb 2019: philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/seasons/74/1819_london_season)
Love of nature, a strong civil society, great coffee... What defines Finland today as the country turns 100? Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor & Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen, reflects on why it is refreshing to come home regularly to Finland after living abroad for over 30 years. Filmed on location in Finland in the summer of 2017. Finland turns 100 on 6 December 2017. Celebrate with the Philharmonia and Esa-Pekka Salonen in a special, all-Sibelius concert at London's Southbank Centre on Thursday 7 December, 7:30pm. philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1736/esa-pekka_salonen_finnish_independence
Art and music were central to the development of Finnish national identity and helped to bring together different cultures under a single Finnish flag. Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor & Esa-Pekka Salonen shares composer Jean Sibelius's role in Finnish nation building in this film shot on location in Finland in the summer of 2017. Finland turns 100 on 6 December 2017. Celebrate with the Philharmonia and Esa-Pekka Salonen in a special, all-Sibelius concert at London's Southbank Centre on Thursday 7 December, 7:30pm. philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1736/esa-pekka_salonen_finnish_independence Stay after the main concert for FREE post-concert folk music: philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2052/london/royal_festival_hall/7_december_2017/juuri_and_juuri_finnish_folk_music
It was a fateful September in 1983 when Esa-Pekka Salonen received a call from his agent saying the Philharmonia Orchestra needed someone to replace conductor Michael Tilson Thomas at the last minute, performing Mahler's Third Symphony in London. He said yes and the rest is history. Hear the story from the Philharmonia's now Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen, who took a moment out of his busy schedule this summer to share the ups and downs of that fateful decision and his enduring relationship with the Philharmonia Orchestra. Salonen conducts Mahler's Third Symphony on Sunday 1 October 2017 at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1714
Icelandic composer, Daníel Bjarnason, has written a violin concerto for the Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto. In this film, the Philharmonia Orchestra met Pekka in Finland to get his thoughts on the new piece. The concerto is full of special violin techniques and pushes technical boundaries for the soloist and the orchestra. Watch to find out more and hear clips with the Pekka and the Philharmonia in rehearsal with Esa-Pekka Salonen. Pekka Kuusisto performs the UK premiere of Daníel Bjarnason's Violin Concerto at the Philharmonia Orchestra's season opening concert on Thursday 28 September, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London. Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor. The concert also includes Sibelius Symphonies 6 & 7 and Anna Thorvaldsdottir's Aeriality. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1712 Daníel Bjarnason's Violin Concerto was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel Music & Artistic Director and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
On Thurs 28 Sept 2017, violinist Pekka Kuusisto joins Finnish folk singer, Ilona Korhonen, to present a unique, modern perspective on runo-song, an ancient storytelling tradition from Finland. The Philharmonia Orchestra’s Digital team travelled to Finland to get a preview of what to expect. Ilona sings a story about the origins of the kantele, a traditional Finnish stringed instrument often used to accompany runo-song. Lyrics: I was a slave in Estonia. I received only barley as my wage And took the barley to Sweden to sow. I did not stay to see how it grew, But after five or six weeks I returned. There was a deer in my field, which I took home and fed and cared for. I took its horns and took them to the blacksmith and asked him to make a kantele. He did. But the kantele was not finished. It was lacking one string. HEAR PEKKA AND ILONA LIVE: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1946 Thurs 28 Sept, 2017, 9:45pm Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London Free entry, no booking necessary. Also join us for our season opening concert, featuring music by contemporary Icelandic composers Anna Thorvaldsdottir and Daníel Bjarnason, and Sibelius’s 6th and 7th symphonies, conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen. Pekka Kuusisto performs the UK premiere of Daníel Bjarnason’s Violin Concerto. Book here: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1712/london/royal_festival_hall/28_september_2017/esa-pekka_salonen_sibelius Philharmonia Orchestra’s Opening Weekend: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/date/2017/09/28 These events are part of Nordic Music Days at London’s Southbank Centre:https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/nordic-music-days
In the summer of 2017, the Philharmonia Orchestra embarked on a new creative partnership to span five years with Garsington Opera. In this first season the Philharmonia performed Debussy’s only opera, Pelléas et Mélisande, conducted by Jac van Steen. Philharmonia Principal Harp, Heidi Krutzen, gives us an introduction to Garsington and the beautiful Wormsley Estate where the opera festival is located. In 2018, the Orchestra performs Verdi’s Falstaff.http://garsingtonopera.org
Symphonize Kingston is a collaboration between Kingston Music Service and the Philharmonia Orchestra bringing together skilled urban and classical musicians to deliver intensive, skills-enhancing creative activities to young people in Kingston, tapping into their passion for popular music and technology whilst offering an opportunity to explore different musical styles and approaches. Led by Jason Rowland, young people from Anstee Bridge and Malden Oaks PRU have worked creatively with dub artist I-mitri CounterAction, spoken word artist Leah Vee and Studio Engineer Zayn Goetzee and players from the Philharmonia to compose, produce, and perform their own tracks inspired by Gustav Holst’s The Planets. The project was generously supported by Youth Music. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SYMPHONIZE: philharmonia.co.uk/education/schools_and_young_people/symphonize
“Of all the string instruments, I guess it’s the greatest compromise…it shouldn’t really exist” – watch Lawrence Power, one of the world's leading violists, reveal the secrets of the viola in our brand new film. Lawrence Power performs Esa-Pekka Salonen's Pentatonic Étude for solo viola ahead of the Bartók Viola Concerto with the Philharmonia Orchestra on Thursday 1 June 2017 at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre. Tickets are still available. Gustavo Gimeno conducts, with Mahler Symphony No. 1 in the second half. Click here to book: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1622
"I would do this every day if I could." Symphonize is a pioneering creative partnership between Leicester-based Soft Touch Arts and the Philharmonia Orchestra, resident at De Montfort Hall, Leicester. After the rousing success of a pilot project in 2015 and a number of taster sessions, young people from The Lancaster School and Fullhurst Community College have worked creatively with producers from Soft Touch Arts and players from the Philharmonia to compose, produce, and perform their own tracks on an intensive week-long project. Symphonize aims to empower young people through intensive, collaborative working which taps into their passion for popular music and technology whilst offering an opportunity to explore different musical styles and approaches. Longer term, it is hoped that participation will contribute to equipping young people with practical, creative and social skills that are transferable to everyday life, and boost self-esteem and ambition. http://www.soft-touch.org.uk http://www.philharmonia.co.uk
British composer, Tansy Davies, has been commissioned by Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonia Orchestra to compose a concerto for four horns, to premiere as part of the Philharmonia's "Inspirations" series in late February 2017. We travelled with Tansy to Bedgebury Pinetum in Kent, one of the locations that inspired her new concerto, "Forest". "Forest" explores how we, as humans, can search for a dialogue with nature as we move further and further apart in our modern world. Using the theme of the hunt and inspired by the hunting horn's roots in the forests of France, this new concerto promises to be a thrilling musical experience. The Philharmonia Orchestra will perform "Forest": 21 February 2017, The Anvil, Basingstoke: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1480/basingstoke/the_anvil/21_february_2017/salonen_conducts_strauss 23 February, Royal Festival Hall, London: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1390/london/royal_festival_hall/23_february_2017/inspirations_strauss_and_beethoven 24 February, Auditorio Nacional Madrid: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1650/madrid/auditorio_nacional_madrid/24_february_2017/madrid_salonen_conducts_ravel Tansy Davies’s Forest – A Concerto for Four Horns has been jointly commissioned by Esa-Pekka Salonen for the Philharmonia Orchestra's 70th Anniversary New York Philharmonic: Alan Gilbert, Music Director International Festival of Contemporary Music Warsaw Autumn’s 60th Anniversary
Merry Christmas from everyone at the Philharmonia Orchestra! Enjoy our 2016 Christmas Card, filmed in St Mary de Castro, Leicester, with eight wonderful cellists from the Philharmonia Orchestra's cello section. Silent Night (Gruber), arranged for 8 cellos by Richard Birchall Performed by: Karen Stephenson, Richard Birchall, Victoria Simonsen, Anne Baker, Maria Zachariadou, Judith Fleet, Rebecca Herman and Ella Rundle Send this as a digital Christmas card: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/christmas
Have you ever thought about conducting but been too intimidated to follow through on the idea? Watch this video for Esa-Pekka Salonen's tips on what it takes to become a great conductor and why it's such a brilliant role to have in the Orchestra. This film was produced for The Virtual Orchestra project, you can find out more about this celebration of classical music here - http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/live_blog
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