Music fans in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria have something to look forward to later this year, with confirmation that the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will be presenting the London Symphony Orchestra in their respective states next year. Touring between April and May 2023, this is set to be a major year for the orchestra, with it to be the final season of Sir Simon Rattle as LSO’s Music Director.
Each Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane will play host to two concerns, with an additional third program being performed exclusively at the Sydney Opera House in honour of the venue’s 50th Anniversary Year. This is a major coup for all three cities, with it to be the first Australian tour by the LSO since 2014.
The three programs will include:
John Adams’ Harmonielehre, Claude Debussy’s La Mer and Maurice Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloé Suite No.2
This will be performed in all three states.
Debussy’s La Mer and Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe are a delightful nod to the orchestra’s special sense of colour and ability to play so quietly and delicately. It gives something very special to these works. John Adams’ Harmonielehre – a piece by a very dear friend of mine, which I’ve loved all my musical life, has become a signature piece for the LSO.
Sir Simon Rattle – Music Director of the London Symphony Orchestra
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.7
This will be performed in all three states, and is described by Sir Rattle as “one of Mahler’s most astonishing and surprising and certainly his most forward-looking symphonies” and “exactly the kind of piece that will show the LSO in all its glory”.
Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No.7 performed in the edition by Benjamin-Gunnar Cohrs and new work by young British composer Daniel Kidane, “Sun Poem”
This will be exclusive to the Sydney Opera House.
Benjamin is a leading specialist on Bruckner. Conducting the premiere of his edition of the Seventh Symphony was a real privilege, as it is each time that I return to conducting his arrangements of Bruckner – it is always like hearing Bruckner’s music afresh.
Sir Simon Rattle – Music Director of the London Symphony Orchestra
Furthermore in talking about the inclusion of ‘Sun Poem’ by British composer Daniel Kidane, Sir Rattle has said “The LSO has been a pioneer in championing young composers, and we are delighted to bring this completely fascinating and deeply beautiful, commissioned piece to the iconic Sydney Opera House”.
The Australian tour by the London Symphony Orchestra will commence at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre from 28 April – 29 April, before heading to the Sydney Opera House from 1 May – 3 May, before its final stop at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall from 5 May – 6 Map. Every venue will have their own individual on-sale periods for these performances, and those interested are encouraged to visit the websites linked above for relevant booking information.
It is always wonderful to be in Australia, and even more so after recent years – the feeling of sharing and experiencing live music together is something truly special. The program we’ve chosen to bring to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne includes some of my personal favourites, and shows the great range, skill and musicianship of this world-class Orchestra at its best.
Sir Simon Rattle – LSO Music Director
It’s incredible to be able to bring 114 musicians including two Australians – Naoko Keatley (violin) and Belinda McFarlane (violin) – to explore and share our music with Australian audiences. This is the largest orchestra we’ve ever brought to Australia and Sir Simon Rattle has prepared an extraordinary program for the tour. Each visit to Australia has been a momentous occasion, just as this 2023 tour promises to be.
Kathryn McDowell – LSO Managing Director
For statements from a wide range of stakeholders in this production, including representatives from QPAC, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and other governmental figures, click through to the next page.
Imagery:
All imagery in this article was provided by the productions’ publicity team.
