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Bernstein orchestral works

BBC SO Total Immersion: Leonard Bernstein

,Barbican Hall
A headshot of J'Nai Bridges

A rare chance to hear the song-cycle Songfest and Bernstein’s Plato-inspired Serenade in a concert launched with the fireworks of Candide’s Overture.

Three very different faces of Leonard Bernstein in one concert. The Overture to his opera Candide shows not just his virtuosity at orchestra but his wit and knowledge of bel canto opera too – it’s one of his most sparkling scores. The Serenade, a philosophical reflection, is his violin concerto in all but name and has become increasingly popular in recent years. Songfest, which Bernstein himself conducted at the 1988 BBC Proms, is an orchestral song-cycle for five soloists and orchestra that celebrates many of things closest to his heart in a dozen beautifully chosen poems ranging from Walt Whitman and Edgar Allen Poe to Gertrude Stein and EE Cummings. David Charles Abell, who worked with Bernstein during the 1980s, takes up the baton.

Tagged with: Classical music BBC Symphony Orchestra 2017–18 Bernstein 100 More...

Programme

  • Bernstein   Candide Overture
  • Bernstein   Serenade
  • Bernstein   Songfest

Performers

  • BBC Symphony Orchestra  
  • David Charles Abell   conductor
  • Sophia Burgos   soprano
  • J’Nai Bridges   mezzo-soprano
  • Fleur Barron   mezzo-soprano
  • Nicky Spence   tenor
  • Nmon Ford   baritone
  • Vadim Gluzman   violin

BBC SO Total Immersion: Leonard Bernstein

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.