London Philharmonic Orchestra

Celebrated as one of the world’s great orchestras since Sir Thomas Beecham founded it in 1932, the London Philharmonic Orchestra aims to bring wonder to the modern world and cement its position as “London’s most adventurous and dynamic mainstream orchestra” (The Times). Edward Gardner celebrates his fourth season as Principal Conductor of the LPO, and the collaboration is the subject of a behind-the-scenes TV documentary series on Sky Arts: Backstage with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The LPO investigates music’s unique relationship with memory this season, believing that memory, like music, is part of what makes us human. The London Philharmonic Orchestra last appeared at Krannert Center in November 1976. 

The program opens with a brand new work by Kennedy Center Honoree and Pulitzer Prize winning composer Tania León, the LPO’s Composer-in-Residence. The LPO commissioned this piece together with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Tchaikovsky’s beloved Symphony No. 4, from its opening fanfare to its stirring finale, brings a joyful conclusion to the program. 

As the centerpiece of the program, the LPO has invited violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja to perform the emotionally rich Violin Concert No. 1 of Shostakovich. The work is about memory and truth notes the LPO. It’s a big work that demands big personalities, and they don’t come much bigger than violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja, virtuoso, storyteller, and all-round phenomenon. “Patricia Kopatchinskaja is incapable of giving a boring performance. She is one of classical music’s great risk takers” (Bachtrack). With Edward Gardner conducting, Kopatchinskaja will drive straight to the heart of this powerful program. 

Program

Tania Léon: New Work (commissioned by the London Philharmonic and Boston Symphony Orchestras)
Dmitri Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 77 
Pyotr Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36