Immersive Beethoven 7, Aurora Orchestra
Edgy music in a relaxed atmosphere as London's most innovative musicians play from memory in a converted industrial space
Nicholas Collon conducts the dynamic Aurora Orchestra. Photo: BBC/Mark Allan
Nothing, but nothing, comes between Aurora Orchestra and its enthusiastic young audience – no music stands, no musical scores, no safety net, as it were. For when these brilliant musicians go to the heart of the orchestral repertoire they play from memory, and for the audience it feels as though the music is unfolding for the very first time.
Nicholas Collon is the dynamic conductor of this innovative orchestra, and the ensemble' performances from memory are now among the most eagerly awaited of musical events in London. At the BBC Proms this year, they play Stravinsky's Firebird Suite from memory (Wed 11 Aug), and in the autumn they turn their attention to Beethoven.
At the Royal Festival Hall (Wed 4 Nov, 7:30PM) they play the composer's powerful Symphony No 7 from memory. That evening they are joined by soloist Nicola Benedetti for Mendelssohn's ever popular Violin Concerto.Click here for tickets.
But for a really radical experience, catch them playing Beethoven's Seventh again a week later at the edgy Printworks venue in Canada Water. Here they give two performances (Thurs 11 Nov), at 7PM and at 9PM, with time to settle in to a shared space before the immersive event.
Like Aurora, Beethoven broke the mould countless times, composing the seventh of his nine symphonies with depth and passion of timeless quality. 'We are moved by nothing but pure patriotism and the joyful sacrifice of our powers for those who have sacrificed so much for us,' he wrote.
His words took on extra significance when Aurora played the work outdoors last September, one of the first live performances possible in Covid times. Now, with the luxury of a big space at the old national newspaper print site Printworks, the orchestra can really let rip. Beethoven would surely have approved.
Performances are at 7PM (arrival from 6PM) and 9PM (arrival from 8PM). Click here for tickets
Nicholas Collon is the dynamic conductor of this innovative orchestra, and the ensemble' performances from memory are now among the most eagerly awaited of musical events in London. At the BBC Proms this year, they play Stravinsky's Firebird Suite from memory (Wed 11 Aug), and in the autumn they turn their attention to Beethoven.
At the Royal Festival Hall (Wed 4 Nov, 7:30PM) they play the composer's powerful Symphony No 7 from memory. That evening they are joined by soloist Nicola Benedetti for Mendelssohn's ever popular Violin Concerto.Click here for tickets.
But for a really radical experience, catch them playing Beethoven's Seventh again a week later at the edgy Printworks venue in Canada Water. Here they give two performances (Thurs 11 Nov), at 7PM and at 9PM, with time to settle in to a shared space before the immersive event.
Like Aurora, Beethoven broke the mould countless times, composing the seventh of his nine symphonies with depth and passion of timeless quality. 'We are moved by nothing but pure patriotism and the joyful sacrifice of our powers for those who have sacrificed so much for us,' he wrote.
His words took on extra significance when Aurora played the work outdoors last September, one of the first live performances possible in Covid times. Now, with the luxury of a big space at the old national newspaper print site Printworks, the orchestra can really let rip. Beethoven would surely have approved.
Performances are at 7PM (arrival from 6PM) and 9PM (arrival from 8PM). Click here for tickets
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| What | Immersive Beethoven 7, Aurora Orchestra |
| Where | The Printworks, Canada Water, Surrey Quays Road, , London, SE16 7ND | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Canada Water (underground) |
| When |
On 11 Nov 21, Two performances, at 7PM and 9PM |
| Price | £22.50 |
| Website | Click here for more information and booking |