Huw Watkins' Flute Concerto, Barbican Hall

Sound Adventures is a project to encourage new compositions, set up by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) and their principal guest conductor, the Grammy Award-winning Daniel Harding . Dating back to its fruitful relationship with British composer Edward Elgar, the LSO believes that “composition is the life force for orchestras” and is committed to encouraging new music.

This is the world premiere of British composer and pianist Huw Watkins ' Flute Concerto, commissioned by the LSO. Watkins, who is in his late thirties, is a Professor of Composition at the Royal College of Music . He has enjoyed musical success since he was 22, when the Nash Ensemble performed his first commission. In 2005, the LSO commissioned his London Concerto to mark their centenary, and this year, his Violin Concerto was premiered at the BBC Proms.

The young Adam Walker has been chosen as the flautist for the evening. Classic FM Magazine has named Walker - in his mid- twenties - one of the world's five top flautists, so he really is quite someone to see.

At this performance, the LSO will also play Mahler's Symphony No.1 . The big symphonic sound should contrast nicely with the modern sound world of Watkins' own composition.

If you shy away from new compositions, Watkins' style of writing may turn you around. He isn't too experimental and, although a little atonal, knows how to create a good and memorable melody line. Harding's conducting will certainly do Watkins' concerto justice. He has an acute ear for getting the perfect sound balance in the orchestra, which has earned him a reputation around the world for making brilliant music happen.

Tickets: £10 £15 £20 £28 £37



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