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Mar 2012: The Importance of Being Earnest – An opera by Gerald Barry
In this edition we look at how Oscar Wilde's enduringly popular play ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ has been transformed by composer Gerald Barry from the stage and cinema screen into a fantastic new opera. Prior to the European premiere at the Barbican on 26 April we brought together some of the opera's and Oscar Wilde's biggest champions to discuss the opera in more detail: Stephen Fry, Fiona Shaw, composer Gerald Barry and Thomas Adès who will be conducting the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group in the performances in both London and Birmingham.
Feb 2012: 2012-13 Classical Music Season Launch
Broadcaster Sandy Burnett presents this special edition Barbican Classical Music podcast live from our 2012-13 Classical Music season launch. In this edition, we introduce you to our packed programme of concerts and speak to representatives from our Resident Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, our Associate Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and our two new Associate Ensembles, the Academy of Ancient Music and Britten Sinfonia. Highlights from our 2012-13 season include 11 world premieres, 11 UK premieres and appearances from world-class artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Evgeny Kissin, Maxim Vengerov, Juan Diego Flórez and Cecilia Bartoli.
Jan 2012: Academy of Ancient Music
The Academy of Ancient Music’s energised, sparky and engaged performances of baroque and classical music have thrilled audiences worldwide for nearly 40 years, with live concerts on every continent except Antarctica and over 300 Brit and Grammy Award-winning recordings. Writer and broadcaster Edward Seckerson talks to the AAM’s Music Director, Richard Egarr, about their new appointment as an Associate Ensemble of the Barbican, the history of the AAM and their exciting series of concerts during the Barbican’s 2012-13 season.
Jan 2012: Wagner Dream
On its world premiere in Luxembourg in 2007, the Guardian placed Jonathan Harvey’s Wagner Dream on the lengthening list of operas by British composers that urgently need a staging here. Finally, on 29 January, this thrilling work will have its UK premiere as a semi-staged performance in the Barbican Hall with Martyn Brabbins conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Marcus O’Dair and Ben Eshmade speak to the key people involved in this project and unearth the delights and surprises that are in store. Part of BBC SO’s Total Immersion Weekend (28 – 29 Jan) celebrating the life and music of Jonathan Harvey.
Dec 2011: New York Philharmonic - Jamie Bernstein and the Young People’s Concert
The New York Philharmonic return to the Barbican as an International Associate Orchestra bringing with them the glitz, glamour and grandeur of the Big Apple! Under music director Alan Gilbert, the orchestra present four stunning concerts, each featuring music with a special connection to New York. Highlights include Mahler’s Ninth Symphony, concerts with Lang Lang and Joyce DiDonato, a Young People’s Concert and creative learning activities. Writer and broadcaster Edward Seckerson catches up with Jamie Bernstein in the Bernstein family home in New York and talks to her about her father, the New York Philharmonic’s forthcoming residency and her involvement with the orchestra’s legendary Young People’s Concerts.
Oct 2011L Beethoven: The Symphonies -
Riccardo Chailly & Gewandhaus Orchestra Leipzig
The Gewandhaus Orchestra Leipzig can proudly claim the title as the world's oldest symphony orchestra and boasts an enviably prestigious roll-call of conductors including today's highly acclaimed chief conductor Riccardo Chailly. Writer and broadcaster Edward Seckerson talks to Riccardo Chailly about his approach to performing all of Beethoven's Symphonies, the Gewandhaus Orchestra’s rich history and unique sound, and why their first residency as International Associates of the Barbican is so important to the Orchestra. Music clips taken from the Orchestra’s latest Beethoven Symphonic Cycle recording for Decca.
