London Symphony Orchestra / Sir Simon Rattle

The London Symphony Orchestra keeps chalking up records. As one of the best orchestras in the world, the London Symphony Orchestra is also one of the most coveted. The legendary conductor Sir Simon Rattle has been at the helm for several years now. For their concert in Antwerp, he is joined by mezzo-soprano and musical partner Magdalena Kožená.

On the programme are the atmospheric song cycle Where Are You? by the Czech composer Ondřej Adámek and Beethoven’s Pastoral. His Symphony No. 6 is a delightful ode to the wonders of nature. Beethoven himself described the symphony as “more the expression of feeling than a musical painting.” Not a pure imitation of nature but the evocation of its essence, as he himself experienced it. With everything that entails: the pleasure of a relaxed stroll, the call of three birds, which are specified in the score: a flute for the nightingale, an oboe for the quail and two clarinets for the cuckoo. But also the overwhelming natural violence of a raging storm. The subsequent Shepherd’s Song – an expression of gratitude that the storm has passed – inspired the master to create one of his most grandiose finales.

An exceptional combination of top musicians, our guests at DE SINGEL for the first time.

PLEASE NOTE
Due to travel restrictions for internationally travelling British orchestras, we are unfortunately forced to advance the originally announced concert date to Tuesday, 28 September 2021. For the same reason, the starting time of the concert has been brought forward to 19:00 and it will be a concert without an interval as the orchestra has to return to London the same evening. An additional programme change allows us to present Beethoven's magnificent Pastoral Symphony instead of the previously announced works by Stravinsky and Britten. We are also retaining the atmospheric song cycle Where Are You? by the Czech composer Ondřej Adámek. Ticket holders will receive a message.