Concerts with works by

Gustav Holst

abgeFRACKt: The Planets

Gustav Holst's "The Planets" takes you on a musical journey through our solar system - but not as you might expect! Instead of dry astronomy, Holst brings the different planets to life with dramatic and exciting sounds. Each planet has its own mood: For example, the planet Mars, named after the ancient god of war, is portrayed with powerful, almost threatening rhythms. Venus, the goddess of love, on the other hand, sounds gentle and peaceful. Holst composed the music in a way that allows you to feel the characters of the planets directly - from the energy of wild Jupiter to the mysterious silence of Neptune. It is an exciting, slightly different classical experience that will both captivate and amaze you. Get ready to discover the planets in a whole new way!

Sir Donald with Holst

James MacMillan is Scottish, just like our chief conductor Sir Donald Runnicles. Both have known and respected each other for many years, so it is no wonder that MacMillan dedicated one of his symphonies to his friend. This symphony, the fourth of our Composer in Residence, contains everything that defines his composing style: opulent melodies stand alongside rich soundscapes, tight marches alongside harmonies reminiscent of Bach. The listeners are not safe from apparent coincidences - perhaps not surprising, considering MacMillan is a big football fan and loves the unpredictability of the game. In addition, one of the most popular symphonic works in English music, Holst's "The Planets," will be performed - continuing our British Festival with this concert.

Kölner Bürgerorchester | Mariano Chiacchiarini

Holst, Gershwin and Martin with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Robert Ziegler leads you on a journey through space and time with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Musik für Frauenstimmen

Music for female voices by Brahms, Dvořák, Holst, and Kubo's world premiere, alongside piano works by Shchedrin, Liebermann, and Auerbach.

London Symphony Orchestra: Family Concert – The Planets

A fun opportunity for families to learn more about music and the instruments of the orchestra, with music based on a theme and free workshops before the concert.

Orchestres Démos

Founded in 2010, Démos promotes cultural democratisation through the performance of orchestra music. It trains the future citizens of the 21st century by putting music at the heart of their personal development, and by giving a central place to social work. As part of an overall educational and artistic program, Démos teaches classical music to children who, for economic, social or geographical reasons, would normally not have access to this genre. The project is aimed at children aged 7 to 12 living in designated urban (“QPV”) or rural (“ZRR”) areas. Every child is given a musical instrument for three years. The different groups of children who make up an orchestra take weekly classes (lasting three and a half hours on average) divided by instrument families and given by music professionals and staff working in the social sector. They regularly come together for an orchestral rehearsal (tutti). The success of the program is, in no small part, attributable to the customised educational framework, cooperation between cultural and social players, the development of a specific collective teaching approach and the ongoing training of all parties involved. Since 2010, over 11,000 children, from all over France, have taken part in Démos. The project, initially focused on the greater Paris area, was rolled out nationally from 2015 and now has around 50 orchestras across France, including overseas territories.

Rakhmaninov Holst

University concert & for all under 30s

Rakhmaninov Holst

abgeFRACKt: The Planets

Gustav Holst's "The Planets" takes you on a musical journey through our solar system - but not as you might expect! Instead of dry astronomy, Holst brings the different planets to life with dramatic and exciting sounds. Each planet has its own mood: For example, the planet Mars, named after the ancient god of war, is portrayed with powerful, almost threatening rhythms. Venus, the goddess of love, on the other hand, sounds gentle and peaceful. Holst composed the music in a way that allows you to feel the characters of the planets directly - from the energy of wild Jupiter to the mysterious silence of Neptune. It is an exciting, slightly different classical experience that will both captivate and amaze you. Get ready to discover the planets in a whole new way!

Sir Donald with Holst

James MacMillan is Scottish, just like our chief conductor Sir Donald Runnicles. Both have known and respected each other for many years, so it is no wonder that MacMillan dedicated one of his symphonies to his friend. This symphony, the fourth of our Composer in Residence, contains everything that defines his composing style: opulent melodies stand alongside rich soundscapes, tight marches alongside harmonies reminiscent of Bach. The listeners are not safe from apparent coincidences - perhaps not surprising, considering MacMillan is a big football fan and loves the unpredictability of the game. In addition, one of the most popular symphonic works in English music, Holst's "The Planets," will be performed - continuing our British Festival with this concert.

phil to explore ...in the vastness of outer space

Infinite expanses. When the nights get longer, it's worth taking a look at the dark sky. In addition to the moon and the many sparkling stars, the planets of our solar system are particularly visible - for example, the powerfully shining Jupiter, the bright Venus, or the red glowing Mars. Even the ancient Romans invented stories about the planets visible to the naked eye. But it was the English composer Gustav Holst who set them to music. And so we embark on a musical journey through the universe. But what about Phili? Is our little Earth girl flying along, or does she have completely different ideas? Stay tuned to find out!

Galaktisch