Edmund Finnis and Bruckner

The evening begins with a fresh perspective on the concerto form through a new work by Edmund Finnis, co-commissioned by the ensemble. You will hear the distinct lyrical voice of the cello placed at the centre of this modern score, which was written specifically for this evening’s soloist. The second half of the programme turns towards the monumental architecture of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No 9. Using the Benjamin-Gunnar Cohrs Urtext edition, the performance presents the three completed movements of a work left unfinished at the time of the composer's death. You should listen for the way the music moves from the jagged, driving energy of the second movement to the expansive, searching qualities of the final Adagio. It is a programme defined by the transition from intimate, contemporary textures to the vast, brass-heavy sonorities of the late Romantic era, offering a sense of both the immediate present and the historical sublime.

The London Symphony Orchestra is the resident ensemble at the Barbican, known for its technical precision and its extensive history of commissioning new music. Joining them is Sir Antonio Pappano, a conductor celebrated for his deep understanding of both operatic and symphonic structures. The soloist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, is a cellist recognised for his expressive playing and his commitment to expanding the instrument's repertoire. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in navigating both the delicate nuances of a premiere and the significant demands of the large-scale symphonic tradition.

This performance takes place at the Barbican in London and has a total duration of approximately 120 minutes, including an interval. This length, combined with the presence of a substantial symphony, makes it an ideal choice if you enjoy immersive, large-scale orchestral experiences. The Barbican is a modern concert hall where there is no formal dress code, so you should feel comfortable in everyday attire. With tickets starting at eighteen pounds, it offers a varied evening of music that balances a shorter contemporary concerto with a significant historical masterpiece.