Sinfonia of London/John Wilson

John Wilson and his specially selected players that make up the Sinfonia of London mark their Barbican debut with the original ballet version of Maurice Ravel’s Boléro.

‘Inside a tavern in Spain, people dance... [In response] to the cheers to join in, the female dancer has leapt onto the long table and her steps become more and more animated’ read the programme note for the premiere of Ravel’s Boléro, his most enduringly popular work. Close your eyes and let the music transport you back to 1928. But first, hear rarely performed English and French music for which Sinfonia of London has made its name, and Gershwin’s gloriously jazzy American in Paris suite.

A recording ensemble of the 1950s and 60s re-launched by Wilson in 2018, Sinfonia of London features players from across the world, many principals and soloists in their own right. ‘Wilson’s handpicked band play with a depth of sonority and variety to challenge the greatest ensembles’ say the Sunday Times. We think this one’s going to sparkle.