Tune in – AUTUMN / WINTER 2018 –
lpo 2018/19 season
player picks: autumn 2018
sue thomas flute
paul richards principal bass clarinet
helena smart second violin
One of my highlights this autumn will be Vladimir Jurowski conducting Das Lied von der Erde, a work that was composed after ‘the most painful period’ in Mahler’s life (this appeals to my melancholic Welsh soul!). The last movement, ‘Der Abschied’ (Farewell), has one of the most glorious moments in the orchestral flute repertoire, with two solo duos between the first flute and the mezzosoprano, who in this instance will be the wonderful Sarah Connolly.
Looking through the season, there are many interesting concerts, not least the season opener on 26 September with Thomas Adès as both conductor and composer. Enrique Mazzola conducting Gershwin’s An American In Paris on 24 October should also be an audience winner. But one concert I’m especially looking forward to is Janáček’s Sinfonietta on 7 November. I’m a big fan of Janáček – he has such a unique and identifiable voice, whose music frequently has the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.
My personal highlights this season are works that hold special memories and symphonies that I’ll play for the first time. First of all is Lutosławski’s Symphony No. 3 in our opening concert on 26 September. This is a fantastically exciting work and I can’t wait to play it under the fully charged baton of Thomas Adès, whose In Seven Days we’ll also be tackling in the same concert. I’m always blown away by Tom’s varied style, as well as his sense of fun. If his concert with the LPO last April (when we played his Powder Her Face Suite) is anything to go by, we’re in for a thrilling season opener!
In November Vladimir conducts Stravinsky’s masterpiece The Rake’s Progress. Stravinsky is one of my favourite composers and this will be a special evening for me, as I was introduced to this opera at Glyndebourne in 2010 after returning from maternity leave. The Rake’s Progress is an incredible opera, despite its unusual lack of trombones! It includes a sublime aria for two flutes and soprano: on 3 November this aria will be sung by Sophia Burgos, and the fabulous Matthew Rose will revisit his role as Nick Shadow. A musical feast for everyone awaits!
Sue’s chair in the LPO is supported by victoria robey obe.
In the 1970s there was a drama series on Granada TV called Crown Court, and the opening theme featured part of the fourth movement of the Sinfonietta. I remember that those staccato quavers in the trumpets made a real impression on me and, curious to hear more, I later went to hear the Hallé performing it at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. I sometimes wish I played the trumpet instead of the clarinet, so I could take part in the opening fanfare; however, it’ll still be great to be able to hear our magnificent brass section perform it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
lpo.org.uk/players – 04 –
On 5 December we’ll take on Bruckner’s Second Symphony with Vladimir Jurowski. I’m a huge fan of Bruckner but I haven’t yet had the chance to get to know this particular work. Playing a piece for the first time is always a memorable occasion, and under the stimulating stewardship of Vladimir this is sure to be a highlight. In the same concert we’ll hear the wonderful Violin Concerto by Tchaikovsky. Although this work is performed so often, it still sounds fresh and vibrant when played by a young and exciting soloist like Alena Baeva.
Sue Thomas, Paul Richards & Simon Carrington © Benjamin Ealovega
As we prepare to open our 2018/19 season, some of the Orchestra’s musicians tell us which of the autumn’s concerts they’re looking forward to most ...
