KSO: Lindberg, Prokofiev and Ravel
Kensington Symphony Orchestra is joined by Michael Collins for Magnus Lindberg’s Clarinet Concerto, the renowned soloist’s first London performance of the work.
One of the Finnish composer’s most frequently performed pieces, the concerto comprises a single five-section movement. Restless but rhapsodic, its joyous evocation of nature has been described as ‘contemporary in language but sensuously easy on the ear’.
Brimming with virtuosity, it is an ideal fit for Collins, acclaimed as ‘one of the best clarinettists walking the planet’ by the Times.
Music by Ravel bookends the programme, which opens with Rapsodie espagnole (1907 – 1908), one of the composer’s first major orchestral works. Drawing on his Basque heritage, the colourful four-movement piece moves from the stillness of night to Spanish dances and a dazzling fiesta.
Ravel described La valse (1919 – 1920) – originally conceived as a ballet – as a depiction of waltzing couples at court, seen through whirling clouds. Beginning with kaleidoscopic fragments of melodies, the work builds inexorably to a tumultuous finale.
Music director Russell Keable also leads the orchestra in Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kijé (1933 – 1934). The composer viewed his first film score, which accompanied a satire on Russian royalty, as an opportunity to adopt a more accessible style, and the resulting five-movement suite is one of his most popular works.
Described as ‘one of the best amateur groups in the country’ by Classical Music magazine, KSO has been hailed by Classical Source for ‘putting on bold, adventurous programmes that few of the “big five” in London would think of or get away with’.
Described as ‘one of the best amateur groups in the country’ by Classical Music magazine, KSO has been hailed by Classical Source for ‘putting on bold, adventurous programmes that few of the “big five” in London would think of or get away with’.
Performers
Kensington Symphony Orchestra
Russell Keable conductor
Michael Collins clarinet
Repertoire
Ravel: Rapsodie espagnole
Magnus Lindberg: Clarinet Concerto
Interval
.: Orchestral piece to be announced
Ravel: La valse
Need to know
Times & tickets
Dates, times and prices
Dates & times
25 Jan 2025, 7.30pm
Run time
2 hours and 10 minutes (approx)
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Standard entry
from £16.00*
* Excludes £3.50 booking fee.
Book as early as you can to ensure the best choice of tickets. Ticket prices may be adjusted without notice to reflect demand.
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For your visit
This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
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Food & drink
Queen Elizabeth Hall is home to our glass-fronted Concrete Cafe, the ideal spot to recharge, or catch up with friends, whilst the bustle of Central London and the River Thames carries on around you.
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