Sakari Oramo conducts Hillborg, Mendelssohn and Stravinsky

The evening opens with the London premiere of a viola concerto by Anders Hillborg. You will hear how this modern work exploits the unique, earthy timbre of the solo viola against a varied orchestral texture. This is followed by Mendelssohn’s setting of a Goethe poem, Die erste Walpurgisnacht. It provides a distinct shift in mood, where the choir portrays a clash between pagan worshippers and Christian soldiers amidst a dark, supernatural landscape. Listen for the energetic, often frantic choral writing that characterises the struggle. The final part of the programme features Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. We will hear a work defined by its revolutionary use of rhythm and dissonance, intended to represent a primal ritual. From the famously high-register bassoon solo at the start to the pounding, irregular accents of the full ensemble, the music creates an atmosphere of immense physical tension that remains a benchmark of twentieth-century orchestral writing.

Sakari Oramo leads the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, an ensemble celebrated for its commitment to both twentieth-century landmarks and contemporary premieres. As the orchestra in residence at the Barbican, they are known for their technical precision and ability to handle large-scale, complex scores. They are joined by violist Lawrence Power, a musician widely regarded for his advocacy of new repertoire. Soloists Beth Taylor and Benjamin Bruns also join the ensemble, bringing their vocal expertise to the dramatic requirements of the Mendelssohn score alongside the resident chorus.

This performance takes place at the Barbican in London and has a total duration of approximately 150 minutes, making it a substantial evening of music. The inclusion of a major choral work and a famous orchestral masterpiece makes this a suitable choice if you are looking for a high-energy introduction to the symphonic repertoire. As the Mendelssohn is sung in German, the narrative of the supernatural conflict will be guided by the vocalists. There is no specific dress code for this venue; standard concert-going attire is appropriate.