London Philharmonic Orchestra

Julian Anderson: The Discovery of Heaven (World premiere)*
Frederick Delius: Sea Drift
Interval
Edward Elgar: Symphony No.1

When Edward Elgar unveiled his First Symphony at the turn of the 20th century, the UK was languishing in the depths of economic recession. Elgar, though, saw past that. In his symphony he seized on a flicker of optimism, describing it as 'a massive hope for the future'. A moving, noble melody appears at first fragile and tender. But when it returns at the symphony's end, it's revived and encouraged with gestures of support from the strings and woodwind, who throw themselves at the orchestral procession with a spirit of inextinguishable optimism.

After the elegiac songs of Delius's Sea Drift, Mark Elder's Elgar feels palpably contemporary and inspiring.

Level 2 Central Bar at Royal Festival Hall post-concert - Barlines. Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth and Composer in Residence Julian Anderson discuss the world première of 'The Discovery of Heaven'. Free

London Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Mark Elder conductor
Ryan Wigglesworth conductor*
Roderick Williams baritone
London Philharmonic Choir