John Wilson conducts Elgar
Booking for Friends of the Philharmonia opens at 10am on Thursday 4 November. General booking opens Thursday 11 November.
Elgar himself said that his First Symphony spoke of “a wide experience of life… and a massive hope in the future.”
Premiered in 1908, when Elgar was 51 years old, the work was an immediate success. Over a century later, it would still top many people’s lists of the finest music ever written by a British composer. Full of passion and poignancy, and characteristically noble melodies, this is music that packs a real emotional punch.
The Philharmonia first recorded Walton’s Violin Concerto in 1950, with Walton himself conducting and Jascha Heifetz as soloist. Following in Heifetz’s footsteps is Canadian James Ehnes, “a violinist in a class of his own” (The Times). Every aspect of his outstanding musicianship, from dreamy lyricism to exuberant virtuosity, has its moment in this expressive masterpiece.
John Wilson is a regular guest conductor with the Philharmonia. His most recent performance with the orchestra, streamed during lockdown, received five-star reviews and was acclaimed for his “impeccable direction” (The Times).
Need to know
Prices & Discounts
£13 – £65
Multi-buy offer available; under-18s and concessions discounts available
Student tickets
£8
Available through Student Pulse.
Limited availability.
Running time:
2h 10 mins, including a 20 minute interval
Recommended age
From 7+
Programme notes
Read the programme notes here. Free printed programmes will be available at the venue.
Box office
Philharmonia Box Office: 0800 652 6717
Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm
Southbank Centre strongly encourages visitors to wear a mask at all times throughout your visit, unless when eating or drinking. They also ask to social distance from their staff where possible. Find more details on their website.
Following updated government guidance, Southbank Centre no longer requires visitors to present an NHS Covid Pass or proof of a negative test to enter their site.
