The London Symphony Orchestra have announced an Australian tour for April and May in 2023.
The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) will make a triumphant return to Australia in April-May 2023 with internationally-revered conductor, Sir Simon Rattle leading his final season as LSO music director.
Among the world’s finest orchestras, the LSO will perform two concerts in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, with a third program exclusive to the Sydney Opera House in celebration of its 50th anniversary year. This will be the first Australian tour by the LSO since 2014 and only their fourth trip Down Under in their 120-year history. The LSO made its Australian debut in 1966 and also toured in 1983.
London Symphony Orchestra’s Australian tour
Hamer Hall
Friday 5 May 7.30pm
John Adams Harmonielehre
Claude Debussy La Mer
Maurice Ravel Daphnis and Chloé Suite No.2
Saturday 6 May 7.30pm
Gustav Mahler Symphony No.7
Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre
Thursday 4 May 6.30pm
In Conversation with Sir Simon Rattle
Check out Melbourne’s most comprehensive gig guide here.
It’s Rattle’s third visit to Australia: “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.”
The first program features John Adams’ Harmonielehre, Claude Debussy’s La Mer and Maurice Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloé Suite No.2.
“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,” says Rattle. “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.”
The second program features a single work – Gustav Mahler’s epic Symphony No.7, which Rattle describes as “one of Mahler’s most astonishing and surprising and certainly his most forward-looking symphonies.” Adding that it is “exactly the kind of piece that will show the LSO in all its glory.”
An additional program at Sydney Opera House will feature Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No.7 performed in the edition by Benjamin-Gunnar Cohrs. “Benjamin is a leading specialist on Bruckner,” says Rattle. “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.”
The third concert will also showcase a new work Sun Poem by brilliant young British composer Daniel Kidane. “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,” says Rattle.
Established in 1904, the LSO is Resident Orchestra at the Barbican in the City of London. The Orchestra has recorded some of film music’s most memorable soundtracks including Star Wars, Indiana Jones and The Shape of Water. Along with a successful recording label, learning and community program, and streaming service, the LSO reaches around the globe to share extraordinary music with as many people as possible.
Newly appointed LSO chief conductor Antonio Pappano will take the baton at the end of the 2023-24 season, while Rattle will become the LSO’s conductor emeritus and take up the position of chief conductor with the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks in Munich.
Tickets for the London Symphony Orchestra at Melbourne Arts Centre’s Hamer Hall go on sale 22 August at mso.com.au/lso.
