Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3 & Strauss: Also sprach Zarathustra

We are set for an evening of significant sonic scale, beginning with the quiet, searching tones of Charles Ives’s brief meditation on existence. The woodwinds pose a repetitive query against a backdrop of hushed strings, providing a stark contrast to what follows. You will hear the immense power of the Royal Festival Hall organ integrated into two monumental late-Romantic works. Richard Strauss’s tone poem opens with a famous low rumble and a triumphant brass fanfare, building into a dense exploration of orchestral colour and philosophy. Following this, Camille Saint-Saëns’s Third Symphony offers a masterclass in French symphonic structure. Listen for how the organ is initially used with subtlety in the slow movement, providing a lush cushion of sound, before it emerges with full force in the final movement. The work concludes with a series of bright, percussive chords and scales that utilise the entire range of the instrument alongside the full orchestra, creating a physical sense of resonance throughout the auditorium.

Kahchun Wong leads the London Philharmonic Orchestra, an ensemble known for its residency at the Southbank Centre and its versatility across film scores and the standard symphonic canon. They are joined by soloist Iveta Apkalna, a prominent organist recognised for bringing the instrument into the spotlight of the modern concert hall. Wong is established for his energetic presence and clear interpretations of large-scale Romantic and twentieth-century works. Together, they bring a programme that relies on precise coordination between the keyboard and the massed ranks of the orchestra, highlighting the technical capabilities of the venue's built-in organ.

This performance takes place at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The total duration is approximately 32 minutes, making this an unusually concentrated experience of three major works. Due to the shorter running time and the familiarity of the opening Strauss theme, it is an excellent choice if you are new to orchestral music or prefer a shorter evening in the city. There is no specific dress code required for this venue. You should note the short duration when planning your travel, as the event will conclude much earlier than a standard two-hour symphonic concert.