Steve Reich at 90

The evening is built around the evolution of Steve Reich’s distinctive language, ranging from the stripped-back percussive focus of Music for Pieces of Wood to the rich, layered textures of Music for Ensemble and Orchestra. You will hear how Reich uses small, repeated cells of music that shift gradually against one another, creating a shimmering effect that feels both static and full of motion. In Music for a Large Ensemble and Variations for Winds, Strings and Keyboards, listen for how the pulse is maintained across different instrumental groups, with the keyboards often providing the foundational heartbeat. Three Movements further expands this palette, using the scale of the full orchestra to explore shifting physical energy. The programme moves from intimate, concentrated rhythmic exercises to expansive works where the interlocking patterns create a dense, resonant wall of sound. It is a chance to experience how a single musical philosophy can be applied to vastly different instrumental combinations, resulting in a sound that is unmistakably modern yet deeply grounded in pulse.

The London Symphony Orchestra is one of the resident ensembles at the Barbican, known for a broad repertoire that spans the core classical canon to complex contemporary commissions. They are joined by conductor Susanna Mälkki, who has established a significant reputation for her clarity and precision in interpreting modern scores. Together, they bring the technical rigour required for Reich’s demanding rhythmic structures. The orchestra’s home ground at the Barbican provides the acoustic environment for this kind of detailed ensemble playing, where every individual contribution contributes to the collective momentum of the performance.

This performance takes place at the Barbican in London and has a total duration of 125 minutes. Given the length and the focus on a single contemporary composer, it offers a substantial immersion into the minimalist style. The venue does not enforce a specific dress code, so you should feel comfortable in smart-casual attire. For those new to orchestral music, the rhythmic and hypnotic nature of these works can be an accessible entry point compared to more traditional symphonic structures. The evening is dedicated entirely to the works of one living composer.