A NIGHT OF MUSICAL TRIUMPH WITH THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

I once again ran to the loving arm’s of the The London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall who in this performance were being manned under the masterful baton of conductor Sir Mark Elder. I wasn’t disappointed as the performance delivered a night of sheer musical triumph. The centrepiece of the evening, Richard Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life), showcased the orchestra’s remarkable cohesion and passion, bringing this dramatic work to life in a way that left the audience (Me) spellbound. Once again, I found myself happily disassociating from everyday life in the BEST way to some of the most elite live music one can listen to.

Elder’s nuanced direction captured both the intensity and intimacy of Strauss’s work, while violinist James Ehnes’s solo passages were nothing short of breathtaking. No really, I was on edge the entire time he was on stage, as he didn’t use any music notes, he just walked out there with his tux and tails, put his violin to his cheek and proceeded to have the audience in a chokehold. He was mesmerising, he truly was, and he certainly did Canada, his home country, proud. What a performer! These violinists are seriously made of different bio material as the pieces they play are insanely complex and here is Ehnes playing them from memory, and here is me panicking about remembering what my phone number is. 

The evening opened with Ravel’s Mother Goose ballet, which was performed with the same elegance and dream-like quality that defines Ravel’s magical score.  I was delighted that it was a Ravel moment, as he was the creator of one of my favourite’s. Boléro – which I have previously reviewed here. Read up on Ravel, he’s certainly a character. Speaking of characters, Sir Mark Elder, the conductor, had such a vibe and I loved that he made sure that every section of the orchestra got their flowers and got each section to have a solo stand up moment at the end so they get some spotlight. I really loved that aspect as Orchestra is pure team work which each section playing significant roles. 

Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 2 rounded out the program, showcasing Ehnes’s virtuosic skill and ability to capture Bruch’s warmth. Alongside the LPO each movement unfolded as though we were stepping into the pages of a fairy tale, with Elder and the orchestra creating a gentle, enchanting atmosphere. Ehnes also treated us to a solo which was blooming delightful, he has such a presence on the stage and I look forward to seeing him again at some point in the future.

The Royal Festival Hall, a gem in the Southbank Centre is slowly becoming one of my regular haunts as I’ve caught the live orchestra bug (and to be far as viruses go, this is a good one as there is only so much damage a string and wind section can do, right?!) I was also delighted to learn that they give free programs out for each concert, which I hadn’t realised on my first visit (Doh!) As live performances go, that is something I really appreciate as they can often set you back nearly a tenner in other locations, so if you’re on a budget it’s perfect and if you’re a tourist, it’s a great souvenir of the event to keep. 

In all, this concert was a masterclass in orchestral storytelling and an absolute must-see for classical music lovers. The London Philharmonic Orchestra never ceases to remind me of the timeless power of live music, leaving the audience inspired and eager for more. Can’t wait for my next visit! 

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Photo Credit: London Philharmonic Orchestra