Beethoven & John Adams

The music

Beethoven Violin Concerto (42’) Listen
John Adams Harmonium (35’) Listen

The performers

• Edward Gardner conductor*
• James Ehnes violin
• London Philharmonic Choir
• BBC Symphony Chorus

Lift off into realms of pure, pulsing bliss.

‘Wild Nights! Wild Nights! Done with the compass – done with the chart!’ And so, to the words of Emily Dickinson, John Adams’s choral symphony Harmonium lifts off into realms of pure, pulsing bliss. Conducted by Edward Gardner, this 1980s classic has become something of a speciality for our superb London Philharmonic Choir, and tonight, with the BBC Symphony Chorus joining the fun, it’ll hit new heights of sonic ecstasy. First, though, a different kind of wonder, as the great Canadian violinist James Ehnes brings all his insight (as well as his gleaming, golden sound) to Beethoven’s serene Violin Concerto.

*Edward Gardner’s position in the LPO is generously supported by Aud Jebsen.