Prepare to be captivated by the timeless compositions of Sergey Rachmaninoff as London's most prestigious orchestras and venues come alive with his masterpieces. From the youthful exuberance of his First Piano Concerto with the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican, to the soul-stirring choral symphony The Bells conducted by Edward Gardner at the Royal Festival Hall, Rachmaninoff's legacy echoes throughout London. Experience the rich, deep sorrow of Rachmaninoff’s grandest works interpreted by world-class musicians in iconic locations like the Southbank Centre, Barbican Centre, and Cadogan Hall.

The Essence of Rachmaninoff: A Musical Journey Through London's Premier Venues

Dive into the heart of London this fall with a series of mesmerizing events dedicated to the genius of Gustav Mahler. From the haunting depths of Symphony No. 6 at Royal Albert Hall to the youthful exuberance of the London Schools Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican, Mahler's music will resound throughout the city. Don't miss the grandeur of Mahler's Resurrection Symphony with the London Symphony Orchestra or Marin Alsop's poignant rendition of Symphony No. 5 at Royal Festival Hall. This season, London's premier venues are set to bring Mahler’s timeless compositions to life.

London Celebrates Gustav Mahler: A Symphony of Events

London is brimming with extraordinary concerts and performances featuring the works of Richard Strauss. From Kensington Symphony Orchestra's opening night at St John’s Smith Square to the London Symphony Orchestra's mesmerizing evening at the Barbican, music lovers have an array of events to look forward to. Highlights include the powerful tone poem 'Ein Heldenleben', the evocative 'Metamorphosen', and the dramatic 'Salome'. Each event promises a unique journey through Strauss's compositions, performed by renowned orchestras and soloists.

Experience Richard Strauss in London: Upcoming Concerts and Performances

London is set to resonate with the enchanting compositions of Hector Berlioz as a series of captivating musical events unfold across the city's iconic venues. From the dramatic 'Symphonie Fantastique' and the tender 'L’enfance du Christ' to the enthralling 'Roman Carnival', these concerts feature world-class orchestras and soloists, promising an unforgettable experience for all music lovers.

Celebrating Berlioz in London: A Series of Unmissable Musical Events

London is set to be a hub of Nordic musical brilliance with a series of unmissable concerts featuring the works of Magnus Lindberg. On November 10, 2024, at the Royal Festival Hall, Esa-Pekka Salonen will conduct Sibelius and Lindberg's compositions, including the UK premiere of Lindberg's new Viola Concerto. Fast forward to January 25, 2025, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, experience Lindberg's Clarinet Concerto performed by Michael Collins with the Kensington Symphony Orchestra under Russell Keable's baton. These events are integral to the Nordic Soundscapes series, promising rich musical experiences.

Magnus Lindberg's Masterpieces in London: Unmissable Concerts at Royal Festival Hall and Southbank Centre

London is set to resonate with the timeless compositions of Shostakovich this season! With spectacular performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, and the Kensington Symphony Orchestra, classical music enthusiasts are in for a treat. From the Festive Overture at Cadogan Hall to the dazzling Piano Concerto No. 1 at St Martin-in-the-Fields, and the enchanting Symphony No. 1, these events promise unforgettable evenings filled with musical brilliance.

Experience Shostakovich in London: Unmissable Concerts at Cadogan Hall and St Martin-in-the-Fields

This autumn, London will host an array of orchestral performances celebrating the brilliance of Samuel Barber among other legendary composers. From Joyce DiDonato’s enchanting performance at the Royal Festival Hall to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s American Classics at the Royal Albert Hall, and the Kensington Symphony Orchestra’s season opener featuring Barber's works at St John’s Smith Square, music lovers are in for an unforgettable treat.

Celebrating Samuel Barber: Musical Masterpieces in London

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical music with a series of captivating events in London. From Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2 at Cadogan Hall to Magnus Lindberg's Clarinet Concerto at Southbank Centre, these performances promise unforgettable musical journeys. Don't miss the Prague Symphony Orchestra's rendition of Dvořák’s ‘New World’ Symphony and Gabriela Montero's brilliance in Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Finally, join Alina Ibragimova and the London Philharmonic Orchestra for a spellbinding evening at Royal Festival Hall.

Experience Prokofiev's Masterpieces in Iconic London Venues

Experience the magic of orchestral music in London with a series of captivating performances, featuring the brilliant works of Vítězslava Kaprálová. From the Kensington Symphony Orchestra's season opener at St John’s Smith Square to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's enchanting concert at Cadogan Hall, join us for an unforgettable musical journey.

Orchestral Delights in London: Celebrating Vítězslava Kaprálová

### Richard Strauss's Ein Heldenleben - Kensington Symphony Orchestra

**Date:** Monday, 14 October 2024  
**Time:** 7:30 PM  
**Venue:** St John’s Smith Square

The Kensington Symphony Orchestra (KSO) is set to open its 2024/25 season with a captivating performance at St John’s Smith Square. Under the baton of conductor Russell Keable, the orchestra will present a rich and varied program featuring works by Richard Strauss, Samuel Barber, and Vítězslava Kaprálová.

**Programme:**
- **Barber:** Overture to The School for Scandal
- **Kaprálová:** Suita Rustica
- **Strauss:** Ein Heldenleben

**Highlights:**

- **Richard Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben:** This tone poem, also known as "A Hero’s Life," was composed in 1898 and is designed to illustrate the ideal of great and manly heroism. The piece includes an effusive violin solo depicting Strauss's wife Pauline and features caricatures of his adversaries in the music press. The six-section work contains over 30 quotations from Strauss's earlier compositions, including "Also sprach Zarathustra," "Till Eulenspiegel," "Don Quixote," and "Death and Transfiguration."

- **Samuel Barber’s Overture to The School for Scandal:** Composed in 1931, this was Barber’s first work for full orchestra. Written during a holiday in Italy, it reflects the spirit of Sheridan’s 18th-century comedy of manners with its energetic and fast-paced orchestral brilliance.

- **Vítězslava Kaprálová’s Suita Rustica:** Written in 1938, this three-movement work is both lyrical and exuberant, bearing the influence of Stravinsky’s "Petrushka." Kaprálová, a student of Bohuslav Martinů, composed this piece two years before her untimely death at the age of 25.

Join the Kensington Symphony Orchestra for an evening of exceptional music, showcasing the talents of one of the finest non-professional orchestras in the UK.

Richard Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben

St. John's Smith Square

### Mahler's Symphony No.4 - Kensington Symphony Orchestra

**Date:** Monday, 25 November 2024  
**Time:** 7:30 PM  
**Venue:** St John’s Smith Square

Join the Kensington Symphony Orchestra (KSO) for an enchanting evening of classical music at St John’s Smith Square. Under the baton of conductor Russell Keable, the orchestra will present a captivating program featuring works by Andrea Tarrodi, Grace Williams, and Gustav Mahler.

**Programme:**
- **Andrea Tarrodi:** *Serenade in Seven Colours* (2013)
- **Grace Williams:** *Sea Sketches* (1944)
- **Gustav Mahler:** *Symphony No.4* (1899-1900)

**Soloist:** Monica McGhee, soprano

The evening will open with Andrea Tarrodi’s *Serenade in Seven Colours*, a vibrant piece for woodwind and percussion inspired by Mozart’s *Serenade for 13 Winds No.10, Gran Partita* and the jazz compositions of Miles Davis and Gil Evans. This kaleidoscopic showpiece transitions from shimmering textures to an explosion of color.

Next, the orchestra’s string section will perform Grace Williams’s *Sea Sketches*, a five-movement work that evokes the life and beauty of the sea. Written during World War II, this piece reflects Williams’s longing for her home in Barry, South Wales.

The highlight of the evening will be Mahler’s *Symphony No.4*, featuring soprano Monica McGhee. This four-movement symphony, known for its tuneful opening and the evocative scherzo depicting Death playing the violin, culminates in the finale with the song *Das himmlische Leben* (The Heavenly Life), presenting a child’s vision of heaven.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the finest non-professional orchestras in the UK, as they bring to life these masterful compositions.

Mahler's Symphony No.4

### Event Description

**Magnus Lindberg's Clarinet Concerto with Michael Collins - Kensington Symphony Orchestra**

**Date:** Saturday, 25 January 2025  
**Time:** 7:30 PM  
**Venue:** Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre

Join the Kensington Symphony Orchestra (KSO) for an enchanting evening at the Southbank Centre, featuring a captivating performance of Magnus Lindberg’s Clarinet Concerto with the renowned soloist Michael Collins. Under the baton of conductor Russell Keable, the program will also include:

- **Ravel:** Rapsodie espagnole
- **Prokofiev:** Lieutenant Kijé
- **Ravel:** La valse

The KSO, celebrated as one of the finest non-professional orchestras in the UK, promises a night of exceptional music-making. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a concert that blends the talents of dedicated amateur musicians with the expertise of distinguished professionals.

**Soloist:** Michael Collins, Clarinet  
**Conductor:** Russell Keable

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Southbank Centre's website.

Magnus Lindberg's Clarinet Concerto with Michael Collins

Southbank Centre

### Event Description: Holst's The Planets at Fairfield Halls - Kensington Symphony Orchestra

**Date:** Saturday, 29 March 2025  
**Time:** 7:30 PM  
**Venue:** Fairfield Halls

Join the Kensington Symphony Orchestra (KSO) for an enchanting evening at Fairfield Halls as they perform a captivating programme featuring music by John Foulds and Gustav Holst. Under the baton of esteemed conductor Russell Keable, the orchestra will present Foulds' "April-England" and Holst's iconic suite, "The Planets."

KSO, formed in 1956 and recognized as one of the finest non-professional orchestras in the UK, promises a performance that rivals many professional ensembles. This concert is a testament to their commitment to providing high-level musical experiences.

**Programme Highlights:**
- Foulds: April-England
- Holst: The Planets

Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of the best amateur orchestras in the country, as praised by Classical Music Magazine and The Sunday Telegraph. Secure your tickets for an unforgettable night of classical music.

Holst’s The Planets at Fairfield Halls

Fairfield Halls

**Concert at St John's Smith Square - Kensington Symphony Orchestra**

**Date:** Monday, 19 May 2025  
**Time:** 7:30 PM  
**Venue:** St John’s Smith Square

Join the Kensington Symphony Orchestra (KSO) for an enchanting evening of classical music at the prestigious St John’s Smith Square. Known for its exceptional performances, KSO is celebrated as one of the finest non-professional orchestras in the UK. This concert promises to be a highlight of the season, showcasing the talent and dedication of its members.

Founded in 1956, KSO has built a remarkable reputation, praised by Classical Music Magazine as "one of the very best amateur groups in the country" and by The Sunday Telegraph as "the most professional-sounding of non-professional orchestras." Don't miss this opportunity to experience a performance that rivals those of professional ensembles.

**Venue Details:**  
St John’s Smith Square is renowned for its stunning architecture and superb acoustics, making it the perfect setting for an evening of exquisite music.

Mark your calendars and be part of this extraordinary musical event!

Concert at St John's Smith Square

### Event Description: Berlioz, Rachmaninov, and Shostakovich at Cadogan Hall

**Date and Time:**  
Monday, 30 June 2025, 7:30 PM

**Venue:**  
Cadogan Hall

**Event Overview:**  
The Kensington Symphony Orchestra (KSO) returns to Cadogan Hall for an enchanting evening featuring the works of Berlioz, Rachmaninov, and Shostakovich. This concert promises to be a captivating experience, showcasing the exceptional talent of one of the UK's finest non-professional orchestras.

**Programme:**  
- **Berlioz:** *Le carnaval romain*  
- **Rachmaninov:** *Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini*  
- **Shostakovich:** *Symphony No.1*  

**Conductor:**  
Russell Keable

**Soloist:**  
Firoze Madon, piano

**About KSO:**  
Formed in 1956, the Kensington Symphony Orchestra has built an enviable reputation for its high-level performances. Recognized as one of the best amateur groups in the country, KSO is celebrated for its professional sound and dedication to musical excellence.

Join us for an unforgettable night of classical music at Cadogan Hall, where the timeless compositions of Berlioz, Rachmaninov, and Shostakovich will come to life under the baton of Russell Keable.

Kensington Symphony

Nov 25, 2024

Mahler's Symphony No.4

Jan 25, 2025

Magnus Lindberg's Clarinet Concerto with Michael Collins

Mar 29, 2025

Holst’s The Planets at Fairfield Halls

May 19, 2025

Concert at St John's Smith Square

Jun 30, 2025

Berlioz, Rachmaninov and Shostakovich at Cadogan Hall

Oct 14, 2024

Richard Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben

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