Górecki: Symphony No. 4 (world première), London Philharmonic Orchestra

The London Philharmonic Orchestra is on spectacular form this Spring with one of most anticipated classical events of the year. Dynamic Russian conductor Andrey Boreyko leads the posthumous world première of Henryk Górecki’s Symphony No. 4 - an astonishing 38 years after his wildly successful Symphony No. 3, ‘Symphony of Sorrowful Songs’, written in commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust. It’s accompanied on the night by a brace of pieces in the neoclassical style - Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto in D, and Polish composer Alexandre Tansman’s Stele in Memoriam Igor Stravinsky.

Górecki’s Symphony No. 4 was close to completion in when the composer’s health lapsed dramatically and, in November 2010, he passed away. The original premiere had been planned for that year. We’re now able to hear it for the first time following its completion by Górecki’s son, Mikolaj, in accordance with the detailed instructions left in the late composer’s sketches. We don’t want to spoil the surprise, but anticipate enormous solo roles for both piano and organ. This much vaunted piece will be an exciting opportunity to experience the creative contents of a great composer’s mind just before he left us.

We are also looking forward to seeing Lithuanian violinist Julian Rachlin taking on Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto. Stravinsky’s concerto is no mean feat - the frequent use of double stops and harmonics require a deft touch and marked clarity of tone - and judging from the various awards and plaudits that Rachlin has been the recipient of during his illustrious career, we have no doubt that he will be up to the challenge.

This concert will be a truly momentous occasion and is bound to sell out, so do hurry to grab those tickets while you can

Address and map: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX ‎