Sibelius, Vaughan Williams and Dubugnon

The evening opens with the haunting stillness of the Finnish landscape as a solo cor anglais evokes the mythical swan floating on dark waters. This serves as a prelude to a significant world premiere by Richard Dubugnon, written specifically for Janine Jansen. In this new violin concerto, you can listen for the interplay between the soloist’s lyrical lines and the orchestra’s textured response. The second half of the concert features a major twentieth-century British work originally inspired by the film Scott of the Antarctic. You will hear a vast orchestral palette used to depict an icy, unforgiving environment. Listen for the shivering percussion and the inclusion of a wind machine, which creates a visceral sense of the polar climate. A wordless soprano part and a small choir add a ghostly, ethereal layer to the symphonic structure, moving the music beyond mere film score into a deep, philosophical reflection on human endurance against the elements.

The London Symphony Orchestra is the resident ensemble at the Barbican, known for its technical precision and wide-ranging discography. Joining them is Sir Antonio Pappano, a conductor celebrated for his dramatic flair and long-standing leadership in the international orchestral and operatic spheres. The soloist for the Dubugnon premiere is Janine Jansen, a violinist recognised for her expressive depth and collaborative spirit. Together, these performers bring a wealth of experience in presenting both cornerstone symphonic repertoire and brand-new commissions to a London audience.

This performance takes place at the Barbican in London and has a total duration of 115 minutes, including an interval. The programme is well-suited if you enjoy large-scale orchestral textures or are interested in hearing a world premiere for the first time. The venue provides a modern setting for this symphonic event. There is no specific dress code for this concert, so you should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. The inclusion of a major commission and a cinematic symphony makes this a substantial evening of music for both regular concertgoers and newcomers.