London Philharmonic Orchestra Pictures at an Exhibition at Royal Festival Hall, London by Paul Vates

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“The LPO played a trio of composers’ works … with varying success”

Under the assured baton of Principal Conductor Edward Gardner, the LPO played a trio of composers’ works … with varying success.

Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Three Screaming Popes was inspired by a series of Francis Bacon paintings (which themselves drew on portraits by 17th-Century works by Veláquez), transforming the distorted figures into a vivid orchestral canvas. To be honest, I was internally screaming like the Popes – the 15-minute piece was discordant and anxious, something akin to a horror film’s soundtrack. I think some of the instruments were screaming, too.

Béla Bartók (1881-1945)


However, this was followed by Béla Bartók’s Violin Concerto No.1, with soloist Alina Ibragimova. Two beautiful movements without a break. And a return to ‘conventional’ music. It was mesmerising and a wonderful teaser to what would follow after the interval. Alina clearly enjoyed herself, her passion and enthusiasm shining through.

Alina Ibragimova ⓒ LPO

Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition was inspired by his friend’s paintings. Victor Hartmann created works which Mussorgsky imagines are hanging in a gallery and we step from one to the other. There are fifteen short movements representing each canvas – from the grotesque to the haunting to the romantic. Climaxing in the triumph of entering The Great Gate of Kiev with the playing of a real Liberty Bell. Yet, strangely, the pieces were written just for piano in 1874 – the whole work was orchestrated by Maurice Ravel in 1922.

Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881)


Another superb evening spent with almost 100 musicians and the amazing LPO. 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 25th April 2026

Check with the LPO website for details https://lpo.org.uk/whats-on/ .

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