Sibelius, Saariaho and Adès
LSO
- Great for groups
- First-timer friendly
- Early finish
- Date
- Sun, 8 Nov 2026
- Time
- 19:00 · 2h 0m
- Venue
- Barbican
- City
- London
- Conductor
- Thomas Adès
- Tickets
- from £18
You'll be taken to the ensemble's official site.
Summary
Thomas Adès conducts the LSO, soprano Anna Dennis and chorus at the Barbican in works by Sibelius, Kaija Saariaho and the London premiere of his own composition, America: A Prophecy.
Why it's fantastic
Hear Thomas Adès lead his own haunting 2024 premiere alongside Sibelius’s final symphony, a single movement of concentrated orchestral power. The addition of a chorus and soprano soloist makes this an expansive, textured journey through modern soundscapes that feel as vast and restless as the Finnish sea.
Our guide to this performance
What you'll hear
The evening begins with the shifting textures of Jean Sibelius, starting with the impressionistic currents of The Oceanides followed by his Symphony No. 7. You will hear how Sibelius compressed the symphonic form into a single, seamless movement that transitions through moods without formal breaks. The programme then shifts toward the contemporary soundscapes of Kaija Saariaho’s Oltra mar, which introduces choral elements to the orchestral palette. The performance concludes with the London premiere of Thomas Adès’s own 2024 work, America: A Prophecy. Listen for how the addition of a chorus and soprano Anna Dennis expands the sonic reach of the ensemble. Throughout the night, we encounter music that reflects on the natural world and historical themes, moving from the mythological seas of Finland to the modern textures of Adès’s latest large-scale composition.
Who's performing
The London Symphony Orchestra is the resident ensemble at the Barbican, known for its extensive discography and commitment to contemporary music. In this concert, they are led by Thomas Adès, who serves as both conductor and composer. Adès is widely recognised for his complex rhythmic structures and vivid orchestral colours. Joining them is the soprano Anna Dennis, a versatile performer noted for her clarity and precision in modern vocal writing. Together with a full chorus, these performers handle a programme that requires significant scale and technical coordination, reflecting the LSO’s long history of championing new orchestral developments.
Planning your evening
This performance takes place at the Barbican in London and has a total duration of approximately 120 minutes. Given the length and the inclusion of a choral work and a symphony, it is a substantial evening of music suited to those who enjoy large-scale orchestral textures. There is no specific dress code for this venue, so you should feel comfortable in smart-casual attire. The presence of a chorus and soloist adds a vocal dimension to the instrumental programme, making it a comprehensive introduction to how modern composers use the human voice within an orchestral setting.
Written by the Bravura editorial team from the ensemble's published programme and venue information. We don't reproduce copy from box-office sites. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Programme
- 01Jean Sibelius: The Oceanides
- 02Jean Sibelius: Symphony No 7
- 03Kaija Saariaho: Oltra mar
- 04Thomas Adès: America: A Prophecy (2024) for soprano, orchestra and chorus
Soloists
- Anna Dennis soprano
