May events

Jorge Drexler

Part of La Linea – the London Latin Music Festival

Not seen in London since 2016, the charismatic Drexler returns with his new project, debuting songs from his evocative new album Salvavidas de Hielo, full of rhythm, experimentation, melodies and, above all, great songs.

Drexler is a warm and engaging storyteller, with a magical rapport with his audience. While Latin rhythms predominate in his wide-ranging musical pursuits, he’s also partial to a rock beat or a country waltz.

Since winning an Oscar in 2005 for his theme song to The Motorcycle Diaries, Drexler has become an eminence across the Latin diaspora, his songs much covered and graced with awards. Where his last album, Bailar en la Cueva, successfully embraced funk, electronica and rap, here he returns to the clever acoustic samba that made his name.

‘Jorge Drexler is a modern-day Renaissance man’ (NPR online)

MONDAY 30 APRIL, 7.30PM

WEDNESDAY 2 MAY, 7.30PM

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Esther Yoo performs Sibelius

Górecki Three Pieces in Olden Style Sibelius Violin Concerto Brahms Symphony No. 1

Michał Nesterowicz conductor Esther Yoo violin

This concert begins with Górecki’s moving Three Pieces in Olden Style, a set of works a world away from much of the Polish composer’s radically avant-garde music.

Following this, the Orchestra is delighted to welcome its first ever Artist-in-Residence, Esther Yoo, to the stage to perform Sibelius’ dramatic Violin Concerto, an ethereal piece which demonstrates Sibelius’ deep understanding of the violin and showcases the performer’s ability.

The concert finishes with Brahms’ monumental First Symphony, which took the composer nearly 15 years to write, and this is evident in the pure musical intensity throughout the work.

THURSDAY 3 MAY, 7.30PM

Bruckner Orchester Linz

Mahler: Resurrection Symphony

Part of Zurich International Orchestra Series 2017-18

Mahler Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection)

Bournemouth Symphony Chorus Markus Poschner conductor

Cadogan Hall welcomes back the Bruckner Orchester Linz, which for this visit, brings Mahler’s epic Second Symphony – a work that explores the depths of human emotion and ends with a powerful hymn to transcendent renewal. The orchestra is joined by Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, culminating in a heart-stirring and divine choral finale.

This is the first time an international orchestra has performed Mahler’s Second Symphony at Cadogan Hall, and as Mahler said of his most enduringly popular work: “You are clubbed to the ground and then lifted to the highest heights on angels’ wings.”

Early booking is recommended for what will undoubtedly be a heart-stopping concert.

Tickets: £40, £32.50, £25, £15

Series discounts available ENCORE Members: £5 off top 3 price tickets

Tickets: £45 (premium seats), £42, £35, £28, £22, £18

Series discounts available ENCORE Members: premium seats for £42, £42 seats for £35

SATURDAY 5 MAY, 7.30PM

English Choral Music

Lambert The Rio Grande

Vaughan Williams Serenade to Music

Britten Hymn to the Virgin

Elgar Serenade for Strings

Tavener The Lamb

Paul Patterson Magnificat and works by Henry Purcell and John Rutter

English Concert Singers English Concert Chorus English Concert Orchestra Tim Rhys-Morgan piano Roy Wales conductor

This concert of English Choral Music celebrates the 30th anniversary of the formation of the English Concert Singers and Chorus.

The choir has visited over forty countries since its formation and has won prizes at a number of international choir competitions. It is delighted to include Paul Patterson's Magnificat in the programme as he is a composer with whom they have worked closely over the past 30 years.

WEDNESDAY 9 MAY, 7.30PM

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Myths and Fairytales IV

Dukas The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition

Alexander Shelley conductor Jayson Gillham piano

Alexander Shelley welcomes the young and vibrant Jayson Gillham to join him on the main stage for Chopin’s youthful Second Piano Concerto.

This is sandwiched by two magical gems: Dukas’ symphonic poem The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Ravel’s iconic arrangement of Mussorgsky’s triumphant Pictures at an Exhibition, bringing the concert to a jawdropping close.

Enjoy a new live listening experience. If you would like real-time insights about the music delivered straight to your smartphone, download the free app EnCue by Octava and book EnCue tickets at a special discounted price. For more information, please visit www.rpo.co.uk/whats-on/myths-and-fairytales, or contact Cadogan Hall Box Office.

Tickets: £30, £22, £15 ENCORE Members: £5 off top price tickets

Tickets: £40, £32.50, £25, £15

ENCORE Members: £5 off top 3 price tickets Series discounts available ENCUE tickets available online

THURSDAY 10 MAY, 7.30PM

The Carpenters Story

This highly acclaimed concert-style production continues to captivate audiences across the UK with its spectacular recreation of the classic songbook that made The Carpenters a legend in the world of popular music.

The outstanding vocal talents of Claire Furley and pianist / artistic director Phil Aldridge take centre-stage, accompanied by Richard Carpenter’s original orchestral arrangements from LIVE musicians, and a stage-wide backdrop of state-of-the-art video projection.

Featuring all of the Carpenters hit songs including (They Long To Be) Close To You, Yesterday Once More, We’ve Only Just Begun, Superstar, A Song For You, Rainy Days & Mondays, and many more!

“Phenomenal vocals & great musicianship” (Evening Standard)

www.carpentersstory.com

FRIDAY 11 MAY, 7.30PM

An evening with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra

Founded by John Arthy in 1969, the Pasadena Roof Orchestra has been faithfully re-creating the glories of popular music from the 1920’s and 1930’s. The fun-packed show features timeless classics from the great American song book – those wonderful songs that miraculously lifted people’s spirits during the depression era, and which made household names of singers such as Bing Crosby, Al Bowlly, and Fred Astaire. This matchless orchestra masters the arrangements and sound of the fabled American orchestras such as Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson, whilst also paying tribute to the great British dance Bands like Ray Noble or Ambrose.

Presenting the show, and putting on the top hat white tie and tails, is the suave singer and band leader Duncan Galloway. So pack up your troubles, come on get happy, and experience an evening of superlative live music, with more than a dash of wit and humour.

Tickets: £35 ENCORE Members: £5 off all tickets

Tickets: £33, £26, £24, £18 ENCORE Members: £5 off top price tickets

TUESDAY 15 MAY, 7.30PM

Orion Symphony Orchestra

Wagner Prelude to Das Liebesverbot Elgar Cello Concerto Wagner Prelude to Parsifal Elgar Enigma Variations

Jamie Walton cello Toby Purser conductor

Highlighting the journey between the first and last works of great composers, the second concert in Orion Orchestra's Alpha & Omega series features Wagner and Elgar.

Bursting with the youthful confidence which also characterises the brilliant Orion Orchestra, Elgar's Enigma Variations is in stark contrast to the sense of melancholy and war-affected desolation of his cello concerto. In Wagner's case, few transformations could be as extraordinary or profound as between the overture to one of his earliest operas and the Prelude to his final Musical Drama, Parsifal.

With cellist Jamie Walton as soloist in the Elgar concerto, this concert will be a very special evening.

Tickets: £40, £30, £20, £10

Students/Under 18s: 50% off bottom three price tickets ENCORE Members: £5 off top three price tickets

WEDNESDAY 16 MAY, 7.30PM

English Chamber Orchestra with Michael Collins

Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 in F minor

English Chamber Orchestra Mihai Ritivoiu piano Michael Foyle violin Michael Collins conductor

‘…all life is an unbroken alternation of hard reality with swiftly passing dreams and visions of happiness…’ So wrote a worldweary Tchaikovsky as he described his heartfelt 4th Symphony in a letter to his patroness.

If Tchaikovsky’s Romantic symphonic poetry captures ‘hard reality’, then Shostakovich’s exuberant 2nd Piano Concerto and Prokofiev’s lyrical 1st Violin Concerto evoke the sweeter, more ephemeral moments of life in this all-Russian programme.

Michael Collins makes his debut conducting the English Chamber Orchestra, who are joined by two rising soloists: Mihai Ritivoiu and Michael Foyle. Ritivoiu and Foyle are both City Music Foundation Artists.

Tickets: £45, £35, £25, £10

ENCORE Members: £5 off top price tickets Book two or more ECO concerts and receive 20% off

THURSDAY 17 MAY, 7.30PM

Flanders Symphony Orchestra with Pavel Kolesnikov, piano

Part of Zurich International Orchestra Series 2017-18

Dvořák Two Slavonic Dances Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 Sibelius The Swan of Tuonela Grieg Peer Gynt Suites 1 & 2

Jan Latham Koenig conductor Pavel Kolesnikov piano

Flanders Symphony Orchestra and its Chief Conductor Jan Latham-Koenig return with a typically varied and beautiful programme of music. Joining them for Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto is the talented young pianist Pavel Kolesnikov.

The second half begins with Sibelius telling the tale of a mystical swan, which is guarding Tuonela, the Finnish version of Hades, surrounded by a dark, wide river. Listen out for the cor anglais representing the swan’s elegant voice.

Edvard Grieg’s beloved Peer Gynt music was the result of a successful collaboration between Norway’s two greatest creative artists of the late 19th century; Ibsen and Grieg.

Tickets: £45 (premium seats), £42, £35, £28, £22, £18

ENCORE Members: premium seats for £42, £42 seats for £35 Series discounts available

FRIDAY 18 MAY, 7.00PM

London Chamber Orchestra

Exploring Emotions: Joy

Bartók Romanian Folk Dances Poulenc Sinfonietta Piazzolla Libertango Ollie Howell New work (Music Junction commission)

Music Junction Participants Christopher Warren-Green conductor

Our season-long look at the contrasting facets of human nature ends with an exploration of joy.

Poulenc’s uplifting Sinfonietta, written shortly after the end of the Second World War, overflows with catchy tunes and dance rhythms, and Argentinian Astor Piazzolla’s famous Libertango – a reinterpretation of his country’s quintessential dance – is a celebration of freedom of expression.

Rounding off our season at Cadogan Hall, the youthful energy and enthusiasm of our Music Junction performers will be given full rein in a new commission by award-winning composer and instrumentalist Ollie Howell, mentee of the legendary Quincy Jones.

Tickets: £40, £30, £20, £10

SATURDAY 19 MAY, 7.30PM

Eltham College Choral Society and College Choir

A Celebration for the Royal Wedding

Programme includes: John Rutter Magnificat Michael Lawson The Seasons (world premiere) Bob Chilcott Can you hear me? Clive Malabar Celebration

Eltham College Choral Society and College Choir London Festival Sinfonia Eltham College Sinfonia Eltham College Boys Choir Paul Showell conductor

The outstanding Eltham College Choir and Choral Society partner with the London Festival Sinfonia in a stimulating programme of British choral and orchestral music, conducted by Paul Showell.

Showcasing some of the best living British composers, the programme includes Michael Lawson’s powerful orchestral showpiece, Symphonic Movements, John Rutter’s Magnificat, much loved choral pieces by Rutter and Bob Chilcott, Clive Malabar’s magnificent orchestral Celebration, and the world premiere of Lawson’s new symphonic suite, The Seasons.

Tickets: Stalls £15, Gallery £10

Senior Citizens / Under 18s: Stalls £13, Gallery £8

TUESDAY 22 MAY, 7.30PM

Dresden Philharmonic with Arabella Steinbacher, violin

Part of Zurich International Orchestra Series 2017-18

Weber Euryanthe Overture Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Shostakovich Symphony No. 5

Michael Sanderling conductor Arabella Steinbacher violin

The outstanding Dresden Philharmonic returns to Cadogan Hall with Chief Conductor Michael Sanderling. The evening opens with the overture to Weber’s opera Euryanthe, a fine example of the early German Romantic style heralding Richard Wagner, and concludes with Shostakovich’s hugely popular and emotional Symphony No. 5.

German violinist Arabella Steinbacher has firmly established herself as one of today’s leading violinists on the international concert scene. The New York Times reports that she plays with ‘balanced lyricism and fire – among her assets are a finely polished technique and a beautifully varied palette of timbres’, and she brings these to bear on Tchaikovsky’s passionate and virtuosic Violin Concerto.

Tickets: £45 (premium seats), £42, £35, £28, £22, £18

ENCORE Members: premium seats for £42, £42 seats for £35 Series discounts available

WEDNESDAY 23 MAY, 7.00PM

The Urology Foundation Charity Gala Concert

Four Piano Concertos

6pm Cocktail Party; 7pm Performance

Adinsell Warsaw Concerto * Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor** Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor*** Adrian Goldsmith Piano Concerto No. 2 (world premiere) *

Eduardo Andrade piano * Aisa Ijiri piano ** Panayiotis Gogos piano *** Toby Purser conductor Orion Orchestra

This is the second charity evening sponsored by Prestigic Holdings and organised by Adrian Goldsmith, an amateur pianist and big supporter of prostate cancer and similar medical problems, having survived three cancers himself. Adrian has chosen the programme to include his very different Second Piano Concerto (played by Eduardo Andrade) to balance against the virtuoso playing of Aisa Ijiri playing the Schumann Concerto and Panayiotis Gogos (Saint-Saëns). The Warsaw Concerto may be familiar to older cinema goers!

Tickets: £100, £55, £40, £25

FRIDAY 25 MAY, 7.30PM

Vox Luminis

Part of Choral at Cadogan 2017-18

Programme includes: Tallis Lamentations of Jeremiah Sheppard Media vita

The Choral at Cadogan series is proud to have played an important part in the meteoric rise of Vox Luminis in the worldwide classical music scene since they won Gramophone Artist of the Year in 2012.

The Belgian-based ensemble joins the series for a third time. Once more the ensemble cannot resist the temptation to perform British music to Cadogan Hall’s discerning audience. This season they perform some of the most poignant and important works of the Renaissance canon, namely the Lamentations of Jeremiah by Thomas Tallis and Media vita by John Sheppard. Lionel Meunier will interweave these pieces with some of the group’s favourite works from closer to home.

Tickets: £31, £27, £23, £19

ENCORE Members: pay £27 for top price tickets Series discounts available

SATURDAY 26 MAY, 7.00PM

Bob Reynolds & Casey Benjamin

A London Saxophone Festival Concert

The London Saxophone Festival presents two fantastic Grammy Award-winning artists, Bob Reynolds from Snarky Puppy and Casey Benjamin from the Robert Glasper Experiment. They welcome audiences old and new to their boundary-pushing interpretation of jazz.

Bob Reynolds is an in-demand jazz performer and educator. He honed his skills at Boston's Berklee College of Music and, after touring with John Mayer Band and a solo album, made his Snarky Puppy debut on the group's 2014 album, We Like It Here.

Casey Benjamin, aka Stutz McGhee, is the first original member of the Robert Glasper Experiment. His ingenuity on the vocoder, keytar and saxophones has enabled him to gain international acclaim in the jazz, R&B and hip-hop scenes.

Tickets: £35, £25, £22.50

SUNDAY 27 MAY, 7.30PM

Sunny Li Piano Concert with Hornton Chamber Orchestra

Frank Bridge Three Sketches Beethoven Klaviersonate Nr. 8 c-Moll Op. 13 ‘Pathétique’ Liszt Années de pèlerinage Venezia e Napoli S.159 Tarantella Chopin Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise brillante, Op. 22 Rachmaninoff Symphony No.2 in E minor, Op. 27

Sunny Li piano Jacky Wong conductor

The exceptional Chinese pianist Sunny Li, a Steinway Artist and endorsed by the Arts Council England, has won prestigious awards such as the Rising Star & Schoenfeld International Piano Competitions and the Grotrain-Steinweg Schumann International Competition, among others. In 2016, her album Sunny Li Piano was released, ranking as one of the best-selling classical albums on Amazon. She will be displaying her incredible virtuosity in this emotionally-charged performance, accompanied by Hornton Chamber Orchestra.

Tickets: £45 (Premium), £35, £25, £15

ENCORE Members and Students: 15% off all price tickets

THURSDAY 31 MAY, 7.30PM

Brussels Philharmonic 2 with Liza Ferschtman, violin

Part of Zurich International Orchestra Series 2017-18

Guillaume Connesson Le tombeau des regrets Bernstein Serenade for violin and orchestra; Three Dance Episodes from On the Town; Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

Stéphane Denève conductor Liza Ferschtman violin

Brussels Philharmonic is back with a programme full of romance and drama. The orchestra’s Music Director, Stéphane Denève, is joined by the Dutch violinist Liza Ferschtman.

Bernstein‘s Serenade is perhaps his most famous non-theatrical work and has been performed by many great violinists. Bernstein described his violin showpiece as ‘a series of related statements in praise of love’.

Jazz and dance rhythms, finger clicking and a police whistle all feature in West Side Story, Bernstein’s modern-day adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. In 1960, he drew from it an orchestral suite of Symphonic Dances which follows the principal episodes of the drama.

Tickets: £45 (premium seats), £42, £35, £28, £22, £18

ENCORE Members: premium seats for £42, £42 seats for £35 Series discounts available