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London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Simon Rattle

Messiaen Turangalîla-Symphonie

— ,Barbican Hall
Sir Simon Rattle with London Symphony Orchestra

Sir Simon Rattle ends his final concert as LSO Music Director with Messiaen’s mind-blowing Turangalîla-Symphonie – an explosion of passionate emotion and ear-tingling sound.

Imagine a starburst of love on a cosmic scale. Now add a colossal orchestra, an unstoppable pianist and a vintage electronic instrument straight out of science fiction, and you’re still not even half-way to imagining Messiaen’s mind-boggling Turangalîla-Symphonie. Betsy Jolas’ music is more understated – but it still packs a tremendous emotional punch. 

So what happier way for Sir Simon Rattle to bring down the curtain on his years as Music Director of the LSO? He’s joined by two of his oldest musical friends – pianist Peter Donohoe and Ondes-Martenot player Cynthia Millar – who also happen to be two of Messiaen’s supreme living interpreters. And with a new work from Betsy Jolas, he’s going out as her came in, with one eye fixed confidently on the future.

‘Joy in the blood of the stars’ – Olivier Messiaen

Tagged with: Classical music London Symphony Orchestra Multibuy - Feb-Jun 2023 London Symphony Orchestra

The concert will finish at approximately 9:15pm (timings subject to change) 

15 June generously supported by the Sir Joseph Hotung Charitable Settlement

Filmed for future broadcast on Marquee TV and Mezzo

Programme

  • Betsy Jolas   Ces belles années… (world premiere)*
  • Olivier Messiaen   Turangalîla-Symphonie

* With the support of Diaphonique, Franco-British fund for classical contemporary music in partnership with the SACEM, the Friends of the French Institute Trust, the British Council, the Institut français, the Institut français du Royaume-Uni, the Centre national de la musique, Creative Scotland and the Salabert Fondation

Performers

  • London Symphony Orchestra  
  • Sir Simon Rattle   conductor
  • Peter Donohoe   piano
  • Cynthia Millar   Ondes Martenot
  • Faustine de Monès   soprano *

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.