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BBC SO/de Souza

Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique

Photo of conductor Jordan De Souza

Much talked-about Canadian conductor Jordan de Souza makes his UK concert debut in music devilishly enjoyable, wickedly entertaining and frantically unpredictable.

When Hector Berlioz saw a performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet featuring an Irish actress named Harriet Smithson as Ophelia, he fell head over heels in love and found his calling in life. In his Symphonie fantastique, Berlioz set out to prove that love while writing a manifesto for French music based on passion, humour, spirit and pride. But Berlioz’s captivating symphonic story would be remembered just as much for its compelling debauchery and torment.

Jordan de Souza brings with him a premonition of Berlioz’s own Witch’s Sabbath in the form of Edith Canat de Chizy’s new work Omen, and has both Noriko Ogawa and Kathryn Stott for company in Vaughan Williams’s rarely heard and consistently surprising Concerto for Two Pianos.

The performance ends at approximately 9.30pm, with a 20-minute interval.

Produced by the BBC Symphony Orchestra

Digital Programme

Barbican Hall

Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.