On Tour in Bristol

The evening begins with a new work by Edmund Finnis, written for the cello. You will hear how this contemporary concerto, co-commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra, allows the soloist to navigate a fresh musical landscape alongside the ensemble. It is an opportunity to experience a piece in its earliest life, shaped specifically for these performers. Following this, the mood shifts to the expansive scale of Anton Bruckner. His Ninth Symphony is a significant pillar of the orchestral repertoire, though it remained incomplete at the time of his death. You should listen for the profound, often spiritual weight of the three finished movements, which move from turbulent brass and string motifs into a final, serene Adagio. The transition from a modern, living composer to this monumental nineteenth-century work provides a compelling contrast in style and emotional depth, moving from the intimate detail of the concerto to the massive architectural structures typical of Bruckner’s writing.

Sir Antonio Pappano leads the London Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble widely respected for its versatility and its long-standing presence at the Barbican in London. The orchestra is joined by soloist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a cellist known for his lyrical playing and high-profile international appearances. Together, they bring a reputation for technical precision and expressive depth to this programme. Sir Antonio Pappano is highly regarded for his ability to handle large-scale symphonic works and operatic textures, qualities that are essential for navigating the complexities of both the new concerto and the expansive Bruckner symphony.

This performance takes place at the Bristol Beacon in the city of Bristol. The concert has a total running time of approximately 85 minutes, making it a relatively compact evening for a symphonic event. Because the programme features a brand-new work and a substantial final symphony, it is well-suited if you are interested in exploring how modern commissions sit alongside the core nineteenth-century canon. There is no specific dress code for this venue, so you may wear what you find comfortable for a standard concert setting.