The Glasshouse, Gateshead

The music

• Debussy Prélude à l‘après-midi d’un faune
• Walton Cello Concerto
• Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet

The performers

• Gemma New* conductor
• Nicolas Altstaedt cellist

The London Philharmonic Orchestra perform at Gateshead's The Glasshouse International Centre.

A single flute melts into a shimmering haze: Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune drifts in like a dream of paradise, opening tonight’s concert with sensual beauty and endless possibility. From there, guest conductor Gemma New leads us through two more radiant soundscapes. Cellist Nicolas Altstaedt brings sun-drenched warmth to William Walton’s Cello Concerto, composed on a Mediterranean island and glowing with southern light. And finally, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet strikes at the raw, tender heart of Shakespeare’s greatest love story.

*Please note change of conductor. Elim Chan has had to withdraw from this concert due to illness, but we’re delighted that Gemma New has stepped in to replace her.