Couch to Concert, London Sinfonietta

Contemporary music is exciting for composers and players alike, with big new horizons. But it occasionally leaves the listener behind.

Now the London Sinfonietta, the leading orchestra for new music, is demystifying the soundworld of the late 20th century and 21st century with three entertaining sessions online followed by a live concert.

Music-lovers who sign up for the podcasts will receive all sorts of musical ideas, and discounts for concerts ahead.

BBC Radio 6 Music’s Cerys Matthews and music journalist Paul Morley will take listeners behind the scenes and will described what to listen out for.

Tōru Takemitsu (1930-96) is the featured artist in the live concert Turning Points: Takemitsu (Sun 27 Nov, 7:30PM). Takemitsu, born in 1930, was a Japanese composer and writer on aesthetics and music theory. The London Sinfonietta enjoyed a long and close relationship with him, playing his beautiful ensemble scores.

The concert will explore Takemitsu's love for nature, and how it inspired and shaped his musical creations.

Armed with new listening skills, music-lovers can make more discoveries with the London Sinfonietta. Click here to see their programmme. Highlights ahead include Reich/Richter (Thurs 6 April 2023), a dazzling blend of visual art by Hans Richter and music by American minimalist Steve Reich.