ASMF & Conrad Tao

The evening opens with Ruth Crawford Seeger's Music for Small Orchestra, a work that showcases intricate textures and a refined sense of scale. You will then hear Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K.488. Listen for the famous second movement, which carries a gentle, haunting melancholy, contrasted with the lively conversation between the soloist and the woodwinds in the outer movements. Following the interval, the ensemble presents a world premiere from the soloist, Conrad Tao. This new commission offers a fresh perspective on contemporary composition before the concert concludes with the suite from Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring. In this final piece, keep an ear out for the variations on the Shaker melody Simple Gifts, which provide a sense of expansive, open space. The programme is carefully balanced to move from early twentieth-century modernism through classical elegance to a new voice of today, finishing with a staple of American orchestral music.

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields returns to its namesake church in London for this performance. The ensemble is celebrated internationally for its precision, polished sound, and extensive discography covering centuries of repertoire. They are joined by pianist Conrad Tao, who is recognised for his dual roles as a performer and composer. Tao often bridges the gap between traditional concertos and new music, bringing a particular focus to how different eras of composition speak to one another. Here, he acts as both the interpreter of Mozart and the creative force behind a brand new work.

The concert takes place at the Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields in central London, the historic home of the orchestra. The total duration is approximately 120 minutes, including an interval, which makes for a full evening of music. With a mix of familiar melodies and a new premiere, this performance is well-suited for regular concertgoers and those looking for a diverse introduction to chamber orchestra repertoire. There is no specific dress code for this venue; most attendees choose smart-casual attire. Ticket prices start at fifteen pounds.