On Wednesday, 25 September 2024, our A Level Music students ventured to the Royal Festival Hall for the first concert of the London Philharmonic Orchestra's new season. The programme featured relatively unknown works by Samuel Barber and Hector Berlioz, both useful pieces of wider listening to complement the A Level set works of The Rite of Spring and Symphonie Fantastique. Berlioz' 'The Death of Cleopatra,' described by the conductor of the concert Edward Gardner as 'a mini opera,' was sung by Joyce DiDonato, an internationally renowned mezzo soprano. 

 

In the second half of the concert, the orchestra performed Beethoven's Symphony No.3, subtitled the Eroica, a tour de force of motivic development and dramatic orchestration to inspire the students in their composition work. 

 

Dr Burton and Dr Clayden accompanied the students, and everyone enjoyed the experience immensely. The verdict from our A Level musicians: Barber's little-known Medea is worth seeking out!  

 

Further concert details, see The Guardian review here.