Proms 9, 10 & 12: Leif Ove Andsnes, Royal Albert Hall

The Norwegian Leif Ove Andsnes is barely 45 – practically a child in the classical world – and yet there are few pianists in the world today who know Ludwig van Beethoven so well. For the past few years, he has been almost entirely focused on the great innovator, and recorded all five of his piano concertos to great acclaim; the first two discs in the series each won multiple awards, and the third one is expected to do the same. When he appeared in London to perform the Piano Concerto No. 5 this January, the critics fell into raptures. What a coup for the BBC Proms, then, to have Andsnes perform the entire cycle over three nights. He will be backed by Claude Abbado's Mahler Chamber Orchestra, who maintain close ties with the pianist.

Want to discover the full BBC Proms 2015 programme?


For Prom 9, on 23 July, Andsnes will present the 1^st (1796-7) and 4^th concertos (1805-6), while Prom 10 the next day will feature the 2rd (1800-1). Then, on 26 July, Andsnes will tackle the 2nd (1795) and 5th (1809-10) concertos, the first and last that Beethoven composed. For each performance, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra will pair Beethoven's mighty work with one of Stravinsky's (Rite of Spring, The Firebird) most significant orchestral pieces, drawn from his mid-career neo-classical phase. Do not miss this chance to see some of the cornerstones of the repertoire performed by one of their finest interpreters. 

£5 Promming tickets will be available on each date.