LPO Symphonic Dances

CONCERT REVIEW

London Philharmonic Orchestra

Symphonic Dances 

at Royal Festival Hall, London

“...it was a delight from start to finish.”

Another packed Royal Festival Hall. Classical music is certainly popular - and so it should be when the quality is this high.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra with Principal Conductor Edward Gardner ⓒ Mark Allan

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's 2024-25 season continues at a pace. This particular evening, under the title Symphonic Dances, presented three composers and challenged the whole orchestra.

Guest conductor Juraj Valčuha led the orchestra with an easy grace from the start, beginning with Alexander Glazunov’s Concert Waltz No.1, Op.47 - this was joyous in its swaying effortlessness, a whimsical jaunt at times like dandelion seeds on a gentle summer breeze, proving music can be ‘fun’ as well as challenging.

Juraj Valčuha ⓒ LPO

Glazunov’s piece was written in 1893, the year of Tchaikovsky’s mysterious premature death. And it was to this composer that perhaps the highlight of the evening belonged. Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor, Op.23 (written in 1874) - perhaps made famous to most people by Victor Borge’s hilarious sketch - has been used in many films and television commercials, yet seldom appreciated in its entirety. Played here by the incredible Boris Giltburg, the piece had power and energy in abundance. The orchestra excelled in the Concerto and Giltburg was absolutely astounding on the piano. For me, the brass was a little harsh, but overall, it was Giltburg’s sensitive and awe-inspiring interpretation that dazzled. After much adoration and cheering, he acknowledged the audience and played a short piano solo - Rachmaninov’s stunning Prelude in C sharp minor, Op.3 No.2. The ultimate party piece!

Boris Giltburg ⓒ Chris Gloag

After the interval, the second half belonged to Rachmaninov - from 1940, his Symphonic Dances, Op.45. The three movements are quite different in feel: the first has a pompous, marching content; the second, a melancholy yearning; the third has the feel of a film soundtrack composition - Rachmaninov did score some music for films. Focus should also be given to Lead Violinist Pieter Schoeman, who had a moment in the first movement as though straight out of a film, akin to John Williams’ Schindler’s List where the violin flies above the orchestra achingly seeking some kind of loving resolution.

The whole evening was led by Valčuha and it was a delight from start to finish. The audience left the Hall buzzing and smiling from yet another glorious LPO presentation. 

The London Philharmonic Orchestra has a vast range of events at various venues around the country. Check out their website for details - https://lpo.org.uk/whats-on/ .

Principal Conductor Edward Gardner

Artistic Director Elena Dubinets

Dates until Saturday 31st May 2025

Check with the LPO website for details

https://lpo.org.uk/whats-on/

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