Aurora Orchestra: Why Birds Sing, Royal Festival Hall

In April 1952, the French 20th century composer Olivier Messiaen was given the book Why Birds Sing by Jacques Delamain, sparking a lifelong obsession with birdsong.

This September, the experimental chamber orchestra, Aurora Orchestra, continues their pioneering Orchestral Theatre series at the Royal Festival Hall to present one of their biggest projects yet: a cross-arts performance piece inspired by nature and exploring Messiaen’s interpretation of the sonic wonders of birds through imaginative musical encounters.

For one night only, the celebrated French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard (a leading interpreter of Messiaen’s music) is performing live, accompanied by a recorded narration, rare birdsong recordings and charming, animated illustrations by Annalisa Salis. This concert marks the launch of pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard’s period as Artist in Residence at Southbank Centre for the next three years.

Taking Messaien's composition Oiseaux Exotiques and Jacques Delamain’s book Why Birds Sing, as inspiration, the evening features music by Messaien alongside Brett Dean’s evocative Pastoral Symphony, and Beethoven’s Symphony No.6, Pastoral. The last of these three pieces is played entirely from memory (a signature and moving style for the internationally renowned chamber orchestra).

Under the direction of their Creative Director, the Principal Flute player Jane Mitchell Why Birds Sing places as much importance on the visual experience and so features an art installation of 1,000 origami cranes.

Prepare for an evening of wonders, inspired by the best of nature, in the heart of London.