Philharmonia Orchestra Video Podcasts: Recent Episodes
(Philharmonia Orchestra) podcast@philharmonia.co.uk
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.
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
Join us backstage ahead of one of our latest concerts with Tim Gibbs, the Philharmonia Orchestra’s Principal Double Bass. The Royal Festival Hall is our home in London and this video gives you a sneak peek of what it’s like to walk the corridors with a Philharmonia musician, including some of the characters you meet along the way.
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
"It might be Scandinavian, but his music is altogether hotter, more volatile and certainly more of a rollercoaster ride." Take a closer look at the life and music of Danish composer Carl Nielsen with journalist Andrew Mellor and conductor Paavo Järvi. Shot behind the scenes at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
Find out more about our Nielsen concerts here: philharmonia.co.uk/nielsen
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London
Thursday 10 November 2016, 7.30pm
Thursday 2 February 2017, 7.30pm
Oedipus tears out his own eyes, a terrifying and unforgettable moment. As director of the opera-oratorio Oedipus rex, Peter Sellars talks to us about the human heart of the story. In this short film Peter opens up his creative mind, and explains the pairing in this concert with the peaceful Symphony of Psalms.
Discover this film, and others, as an interactive documentary, and book tickets for Stravinsky: Myths & Rituals: philharmonia.co.uk/stravinsky
Stravinsky’s career is punctuated by the retelling of classical myths: Oedipus, Apollon musagète, Persephone, Orpheus, Agon. It was through these myths that Stravinsky found the means to come to terms with the deep sadness and losses of the years of war and revolution through which he lived.
Discover this film, and others, as an interactive documentary, and book tickets for Stravinsky: Myths & Rituals: philharmonia.co.uk/stravinsky
The Philharmonia Orchestra and Darbar have collaborated on an exciting cross-cultural music project called Universal Notes. The new piece was created in a year of workshops in India and the UK and will premiere at Darbar Festival on 16 Sept 2016. Taking inspiration from India’s raga mode of melody, the project moves away from jamming and ‘fusion’ styles, with an ambition to create music that brings two great classical traditions together equally. This film, shot on location in Bangalore and Mumbai, introduces the project and its participants.
The concert premiere of Universal Notes takes place at the Darbar Festival at Royal Festival Hall, London, Friday 16 September 2016, 6.30pm. philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/1632
In partnership with The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil and inspired by the work of Roald Dahl, Strike a Chord! explores creative music making in the classroom, as well as offering hundreds of school children from across Yeovil the opportunity to hear quality live music in a fun and interactive way. Follow the journey of Yeovil’s school children as they create, compose and perform their own music, before attending a very special concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Charles Hazlewood to hear Paul Patterson’s Little Red Riding Hood live at The Octagon.
In Stravinsky’s later life he looked to religion for comfort and inspiration, both directly to his own Russian Orthodox faith, and more widely. Esa-Pekka Salonen reflects on Stravinsky’s religious works such as the Cantata and the Mass, as well as on his musical homages to lost friends.
Delve into Stravinsky’s Les Noces with pianists Pierre-Laurent Aimard and Tamara Stefanovich. This striking piece features the rare sight of four pianos on stage, played alongside percussionists and singers to create a unique spectacle. In this short film Pierre-Laurent and Tamara explain why they think Les Noces is the most exciting composition for piano today, with other surprising insights along the way.
Agon was supposed to be a ballet to end all ballets – that’s what the choreographer George Balanchine wanted to complete his trio of myth-based ballet collaborations with Stravinsky: Apollon musagète, Orpheus, and now Agon. Choreographer Karole Armitage, who danced with Balanchine, is creating a new version of Agon, to première with the Philharmonia in May 2016. Go behind the scenes with her during the rehearsal process.
Maestro Vladmir Ashkenazy celebrates the Philharmonia Orchestra's 70th anniversary in this short film. Join him at the Purcell School for Young Musicians as he describes the magic at the heart of the Philharmonia.
This video is part of a special series of films commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra for its 70th anniversary season (2015-2016). Discover more:
Philharmonia Orchestra Celebrates 70 Years channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqR22EoucCycOGFfrFJY587duxWWBYhvu
Interactive Timeline: https://philharmonia.co.uk/70
Kenneth Essex is a well-respected session musician from the golden age of freelancing. He's played on a variety of recordings from work with the Philharmonia Orchestra to Fawlty Towers and the Beatles. The Philharmonia Orchestra's archivist, and former member of the cello section, Mike Hurwitz, met Ken at his home in North London to hear tales from his exciting career in music.
This video is part of a special series of films commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra for its 70th anniversary season (2015-2016). Discover more:
Philharmonia Orchestra Celebrates 70 Years channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqR22EoucCycOGFfrFJY587duxWWBYhvu
Interactive Timeline: https://philharmonia.co.uk/70
Mary Bean worked on the management team of the Philharmonia Orchestra in the 1950s, and ended up marrying the Orchestra's leader at the time, violinist Hugh Bean. Our London Concerts Manager, Natasha Riordan-Eva, visited Mary to find out what she found inspiring about working with great musicians, including Toscanini and Shostakovich among many others.
This video is part of a special series of films commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra for its 70th anniversary season (2015-2016). Discover more:
Philharmonia Orchestra Celebrates 70 Years channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqR22EoucCycOGFfrFJY587duxWWBYhvu
Interactive Timeline: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/70
Pierrette Duncan, née Galeone, played in the 1st and 2nd Violin sections of the Philharmonia Orchestra starting in the 1950s and spent 30 years as a member of the Orchestra. Our current No. 2, 2nd Violin, Emily Davis, met Pierrette in her home to learn what life was like for the Philharmonia's early members, and especially for women.
This video is part of a special series of films commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra for its 70th anniversary season (2015-2016). Discover more:
Philharmonia Orchestra Celebrates 70 Years channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqR22EoucCycOGFfrFJY587duxWWBYhvu
Interactive Timeline: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/70
This August we're celebrating world-renowned trumpeter Håkan Hardenberger. Discover more about Hardenberger and his affinity with the trumpet in this extended interview with Alistair Mackie, the Philharmonia Orchestra's principal trumpet.
Håkan Hardenberger performs with the Philharmonia Orchestra in a special series of concerts, The Trumpet Shall Sound, later this year and into 2016.
Chapters:
01:23 - On Gruber's "Aerial"
06:30 - On Zimmermann's "Nobody knows de trouble I see"
11:11 - The struggle with the trumpet
14:54 - Dealing with performance anxiety
20:28 - Teachers
23:43 - The most important thing for a developing player
27:45 - Planet A#
33:09 - Studying a new piece
38:36 - A musical player
Find out more at the following link: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/hakanhardenberger
This August, we’re shouting about trumpeter Håkan Hardenberger, who performs a major series, titled The Trumpet Shall Sound, with the Philharmonia Orchestra in December 2015/January 2016. We caught Håkan after his rehearsal with the conductor, Andris Nelsons, as they prepared for a performance of HK Gruber's Aerial trumpet concerto, composed for Håkan. The two artists spoke about their friendship and working relationship following an intense day of rehearsals. Find out more here: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/hakanhardenberger
In preparation for our final concert of our 14/15 Royal Festival Hall season, First Violin member, Adrián Varela, introduces us to some of the musical forms featured in the concert. Our first in a series of basic orchestra vocabulary lessons!
Book here: philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/682/london/royal_festival_hall/28_june_2015/dohnanyi_closes_1415_season
Sunday 28 June 2015, 7.30pm
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London
Christoph von Dohnányi, conductor
Arabella Steinbacher, violin
Lawrence Power, viola
MOZART Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra
BARTÓK Divertimento for String Orchestra
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 7
Philharmonia Orchestra violist, Gijs Kramers, gets a special one-to-one lesson with master tabla player, Sanju Sahai. Learn all about the basics of tabla in this film, and find out what Bach sounds like when accompanied by tabla. If you have your own tabla, take them out and follow along!
Funding and support from Orchestras Live and Shruti Arts.
Send this video as a greeting card at http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/christmas
"Ding Dong Merrily on High" arranged by Toby Street
Performed by: Jason Evans, Mark Calder, Katy Woolley, Philip White and Peter Smith.
Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Esa-Pekka Salonen describes his love affair with Debussy's opera Pelléas et Mélisande. Discover the series at philharmonia.co.uk/paris Our City of Light: Paris: 1900-1950 concert series runs from November 2014 - June 2015.
In this film, Karen Stephenson introduces her instrument - the cello.
To learn more about the cello visit http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/explore/instruments/cello
Why not download our iPad app The Orchestra to learn even more? Visit www.philharmonia.co.uk/app for more information.
"Have you seen the app called 'The Orchestra'? It is astonishing. For somebody who can't read music to learn how an orchestra functions, to be able to see from the perspective of a flute or a second violin, is really enlightening." - Sir John Eliot Gardiner, quoted in an interview by Richard Fairman, Financial Times, February 2014
The Philharmonia's Principal Cello's Chair is endowed in perpetuity in memory of Amaryllis Fleming (1925 -- 1999) by the Amaryllis Fleming Foundation and Fleming Family and Partners Ltd.
The Philharmonia's No. 2 Cello Chair is endowed by Jane and Julian Langer.
For more information on Chair Endowments, please visit: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/support/individual/chair_endowment
Composing a work for organ and orchestra is not an easy task, but celebrated Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho was up to the challenge in her new piece, Maan varjot (Earth's Shadows). Discover the collaborative process behind this new commission with this film featuring Kaija Saariaho and Esa-Pekka Salonen in conversation. Noted French organist, Olivier Latry, contributes his perspective and put the newly restored Southbank Centre organ through its paces. Come hear the Philharmonia Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen and Olivier Latry perform this new work in London on 26 June 2014, at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall: www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/480/london/royal_festival_hall/26_june_2014/salonen_conducts_sibelius. Maan varjot was co-commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra, Southbank Centre, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and Orchestre National de Lyon.
A film of the original choreography created for the 2013/14 Firebird Project featuring dancers from The Royal Ballet School, Feltham Community College and Richmond Park Academy. The music is performed by an orchestra of young musicians from Richmond Music Trust and Hounslow Music Services, with a few members of the Philharmonia Orchestra who helped coach the young musicians. See Philharmonia Podcast 77 for a behind the scenes look at the project.
What happened when we brought together young musicians and dancers from southwest London to create their own version of Stravinsky's The Firebird? Find out about this unique and moving project in our in-depth documentary. Featuring students from The Royal Ballet School, Feltham Community College, Richmond Park Academy, Richmond Music Trust and Hounslow Music Services. See Philharmonia Podcast 78 to watch the final performance
The composers Antonín Dvořák and his favourite pupil and son-in-law, Josef Suk, were both influenced by place and close relationships with loved ones. Travel to Prague with conductor Jakub Hrůša, a Prague resident, to uncover the stories behind Dvořák's Cello Concerto and Suk's rarely performed work, the Asrael Symphony. Part of the Bohemian Legends concert series in April & May 2014, at Royal Festival Hall and beyond, conducted by Jakub Hrůša: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/bohemian
The composer Leos Janacek was an important promoter of cultural activity in the city where he spent most of his life - Brno, Moravia, Czech Republic. Czech conductor Jakub Hrusa, a Brno native, introduces us to Janacek and his city by using Janacek's spectacular Sinfonietta as a musical guide. Join us on this personal journey to discover the legacy of Leos Janacek. Part of the Bohemian Legends series in April and May 2014, conducted by Jakub Hrusa - www.philharmonia.co.uk/bohemian
re-rite is the Philharmonia Orchestra’s digital installation based on The Rite of Spring. Through this combination of immersive video and interactive design visitors can experience what it's like to play with a live orchestra. From conducting with Esa-Pekka Salonen to following the score note by note with each instrument - re-rite takes you inside the orchestra.
In this Listening Guide, pianist Nikolai Lugansky guides us through Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto. Dubbed 'Emperor' by its English publisher, this was Beethoven's last piano concerto. Find out more in this film about what makes this hugely popular work special and forward-looking, complete with illustrative extracts from the work performed by Lugansky. For more information on the Philharmonia's upcoming performance of the work with Nikolai Lugansky, please visit www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/464/london/royal_festival_hall/9_march_2014/lugansky_performs_emperor_piano_concerto
Season's Greetings from the Philharmonia Orchestra. We celebrate this year with a brass quintet of Philharmonia players, playing an arrangement of Gustav Holst's carol 'In the Bleak Midwinter', arranged by Toby Street. Why not send the Philharmonia Christmas Card to your friends? Visit www.philharmonia.co.uk/christmas to find out more.
In this feature-length biopic, Series Advisor Steven Stucky and Principal Conductor and Philharmonia Orchestra Artistic Advisor Esa-Pekka Salonen travel to Poland to the explore the life and works of Polish composer Witold Lutosławski, from his early life, his struggle for survival in Warsaw during the Second World War, the Stalinist period, and finally into his latter and most mature works. This film was released as part of the Philharmonia Orchestra's series Woven Words - "Music begins where words end". Explore the series’ digital resources at philharmonia.co.uk/lutoslawski.
In this film, Philharmonia members past and present tell the story of how a last-minute decision by the Orchestra's management 30 years ago ignited what would go on to be a long-lasting relationship between Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonia, firstly as Principal Guest Conductor, and, since 2008, as Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor.
In this film, Jennifer McLaren introduces her instrument - the e flat clarinet. To learn more about the e flat clarinet visit www.philharmonia.co.uk/explore/instruments/e_flat_clarinet. Why not download our iPad app The Orchestra to learn even more? Visit www.philharmonia.co.uk/app for more information.
The Philharmonia Orchestra were delighted to be invited to the Classical Stage at London Mela 2013, to perform Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's composition 'Samaagam', played on the sarod by his two sons Amaan and Ayaan. In this film we speak with the two brothers before their performance, as well as with conductor David Murphy, who spent a considerable amount of time in Delhi with the composer. We also hear from the Mela's Artistic Director Ajay Chhabra, on the history of the Mela and the continuing relationship with the Philharmonia.
The Philharmonia Orchestra's Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen, introduces Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, narrative programme music for the modern orchestra. To hear more about this piece, why not download our iPad app, 'The Orchestra'? Visit philharmonia.co.uk/app for more information.
Acknowledged as the UK's foremost musical pioneer, the Philharmonia Orchestra lives at the heart of British musical life. In this film, Simon Oliver (Double Bass and Chairman) introduces the Orchestra and its work today. For more information, please visit the new website www.philharmonia.co.uk.
Go on a journey with the Philharmonia Orchestra as they travel to Paris with Esa-Pekka Salonen, and prepare for a particularly special performance of the Rite of Spring at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées - the venue of the original première - in the piece's centenary year, 2013.
With 2013 being the Centenary year for Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Philharmonia Esa-Pekka Salonen discusses his relationship with this seminal work, and its continuing relevance in a 21st century context. To mark the Centenary, Esa-Pekka Salonen is touring the work across Europe with the Philharmonia Orchestra, a tour culminating in a concert at Paris's Theatre des Champs-Elysées, the venue of the work's infamously riotous première. The London Centenary concert will take place on Thursday 30th May at 7.30pm, at the Royal Festival Hall.
In this interview, Esa-Pekka Salonen discusses Shostakovich's Symphony No. 4. Written at a politically turbulent time, during which was published the infamous Pravda article denouncing the composer and his work, its original première was eventually cancelled, and the work did not resurface until the early 1960s. Symphony No. 4 is being performed together with the Opera 'Orango', which has its European première in London on 16 May 2013. For more information on the concert, please visit www.philharmonia.co.uk/orango
An extended documentary about the recently-discovered opera by Shostakovich, 'Orango'. It features interviews with Esa-Pekka Salonen, who premiered the work, Gerard McBurney, who orchestrated the work, and Irina Brown, who is directing the semi-staged European Premiere taking place at the Royal Festival Hall in May 2013. As well as learning about how the work surfaced, and its orchestration, we also delve into some of the musical influences surrounding Shostakovich when he wrote the piece. Set against the historical context of the early 1930s, this film lifts the lid on a fascinating period in not only musical history, but the history of the Soviet Union. For more information on the European Premiere of Orango, taking place on May 16th 2013, please visit www.philharmonia.co.uk/orango
This extended documentary goes behind the scenes at the Philharmonia Orchestra's Universe of Sound project, from conception to completion. For more information on the project, please visit universeofsound.co.uk. Next dates: 27 April - 12 May 2013 Augustine House, Canterbury Christ Church University
Violinist Jennifer Koh talks about her relationship with Witold Lutosławski's Chain 2: Dialogue for Violin and Orchestra (1984–85), which she will perform with the Philharmonia Orchestra on 21 March 2013 at the Royal Festival Hall in London."The thing that satisfies me now - in every respect – is Chain 2." - Witold Lutosławski. Part of the Philharmonia Orchestra's series Woven Words: "Music begins where words end". Explore the series’ digital resources at www.philharmonia.co.uk/lutoslawski
Philharmonia Orchestra violinist Adrián Varela and Tar Shehnai player Kirpal Singh Panesar come together to learn about each other's instrument, techniques, and ensemble playing. The project is a collaboration with Shruti Arts and Orchestras Live. Discover the Philharmonia Orchestra: De Montfort Hall, Leicester, Sunday 24 March 2013, 7:30pm.
Commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society, Witold Lutosławski's Cello Concerto was written for and premièred by the great cellist Mstislav Rostropovich at the Royal Festival Hall in London in 1970. Tom Hutchinson of the Royal Philharmonic Society tells us more. Part of the Philharmonia Orchestra's series Woven Words: "Music begins where words end". Explore the series’ digital resources at http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/lutoslawski
Series Advisor Steven Stucky talks with Philharmonia Orchestra members Samuel Coles (Joint Principal Flute) and Mark van de Wiel (Joint Principal Clarinet) about Witold Lutosławski's use of chance in his compositions, an approach called "controlled aleatorism." They work through a short passage of Lutosławski's Jeux venitiens (Venetian Games), illustrating how each performance is unique. Part of the Philharmonia Orchestra's series Woven Words: "Music begins where words end". Explore the series’ digital resources at http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/lutoslawski, or visit www.woven-words.co.uk/game to explore Lutosławski's compositional techniques in a game!
Fourth in a series of four biographical films on the Polish composer, Witold Lutosławski. Series Advisor, Steven Stucky and Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen visit the Filharmonia Narodowa (National Concert Hall) in Warsaw and talk about the composer's later life. In his later years, Lutosławski flourished and finally found his distinctive musical voice. Part of the Philharmonia Orchestra's series Woven Words: "Music begins where words end".
Third in a series of four biographical films on the Polish composer, Witold Lutosławski. Series Advisor, Steven Stucky and Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen visited Polska Radio in Warsaw to talk about Lutosławski's work during Soviet rule. They view manuscripts of his compositions for radio and also pop music, which he composed under the pseudonym, Derwid. Part of the Philharmonia Orchestra's series Woven Words: "Music begins where words end".
Series Advisor, Steven Stucky and Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen both knew the Polish composer, Witold Lutosławski well. In this film, the two composers reminisce about their friend and mentor and discuss his work. Part of the Philharmonia Orchestra's series Woven Words: "Music begins where words end".
Second in a series of four biographical films on the Polish composer, Witold Lutosławski. This film focuses on the composer's struggle for survival in Warsaw during World War II. Series Advisor, Steven Stucky and Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen traveled to Poland to find out more. Lutosławski expert Charles Bodman Rae also helps bring this terrifying moment in history to life. Part of the Philharmonia Orchestra's series Woven Words: "Music begins where words end".
First in a series of four biographical films on the Polish composer, Witold Lutosławski. This film focuses on the composer's early life and beginnings in music. Series Advisor, Steven Stucky and Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen traveled to Poland to discover how tragic and traumatic events in Lutosławski's early life shaped his compositions and personality. Part of the Philharmonia Orchestra's series Woven Words: "Music begins where words end".