Beethoven’s First and Fourth Symphonies are witty and elegant. Yet there are moments which foretell the bold, stormy symphonies that would follow, such as the opening for the First’s finale, and the assertive horn blasts in the Fourth’s Scherzo. Ondřej Adámek’s invitation to Follow Me results in a teasing, increasingly wild imitation game between soloist and orchestra.

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London Symphony Orchestra/François-Xavier Roth

Barbican Centre

Experience the fusion of classical innovation and contemporary brilliance with the London Symphony Orchestra's captivating evening featuring the works of Adámek and Beethoven. Under the baton of François-Xavier Roth, with the virtuosic Isabelle Faust on violin, this concert promises an exploration of musical dialogues across time.

Join us at the iconic Barbican on Thursday, 31 October 2024, at 7pm for a program that intertwines the playful wit of Beethoven's early symphonies with the modern, teasing imitation game of Ondřej Adámek's "Follow Me" Concerto for Violin and Orchestra. The evening will commence with Beethoven's Symphony No. 1, followed by Adámek's concerto, concluding with the elegant yet bold Symphony No. 4 by Beethoven. This performance not only showcases the LSO's versatility but also highlights the dynamic partnership between Roth and Faust, bringing fresh perspectives to both classical and contemporary compositions.

The concert will conclude at approximately 8:55 pm, including a 20-minute interval, allowing the audience to immerse themselves fully in the musical journey. Tickets are available in a range of prices to suit all, with options for further savings through various booking discounts. Whether you're a long-time classical music enthusiast or curious to experience the LSO for the first time, this evening promises to be a memorable exploration of musical mastery and innovation.

Adámek and Beethoven

A choice trio closes this 36th edition of the Présences festival, where the Accordion Concerto by the Franco-Greek composer will resonate for the first time in France, "a history of the accordion through my music," where Georges Aperghis weaves links between harmonica, harmonium and organ in an open-air party atmosphere. A taste for variegation and surprises that the pens of Ondřej Adámek and Sofia Avramidou, singer and composer from Thessaloniki, enliven with full-bodied brilliance.

Closing Concert / Studies, Concerto for Accordion Tetzlaff / Sotty

Maison de la Radio et de la Musique

Ondřej Adámek is one of the most prominent Czech composers of today. His work is characterized by an original sonic language, rhythmic inventiveness, and an unconventional approach to orchestral writing. The Czech premiere of his Violin Concerto will be performed with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra by violinist Christian Tetzlaff under the baton of conductor Jonathan Nott.

Ondřej Adámek

Events

Upcoming events

Feb 8, 2026

Closing Concert / Studies, Concerto for Accordion Tetzlaff / Sotty · Orchestre National de France

Feb 23, 2026

Jonathan Nott and Christian Tetzlaff · Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra

7 - 9 May, 2026

Sir Simon Rattle & Magdalena Kožená · Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

12 - 14 May, 2026

Sir Simon Rattle | Touring Concerts Vienna & Prague Spring Festival · Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Oct 31 - Nov 28, 2024

London Symphony Orchestra/François-Xavier Roth · Barbican Centre

Oct 31, 2024

Adámek and Beethoven · London Symphony Orchestra

About

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