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Celebrating a decade of music for everyone thursday 21 March to Monday 1 april 2013 LSO St Luke’s 161 Old Street, EC1V
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4 Introduction
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LSO St Luke’s: More than meets the eye
You probably walk past us all the time. Contrary to popular belief, we’re not a church! Ten years ago, in 2003, the London Symphony Orchestra, resident up the road at the Barbican Centre, decided to transform what was a ruined, old church into a totally unique music venue for everyone to enjoy, together with one of its corporate partners, UBS. Created principally as a space for the Orchestra’s education and community projects, as well as for the LSO themselves to rehearse in, the venue also hosts scores of concerts each year at little or no cost to the public, exploring genres as far-reaching as world music, folk and jazz alongside classical. As a Grade I-listed building with a stunning contemporary interior, LSO St Luke’s has proved a hit with the hire market too, and regularly hosts award-ceremonies, gala dinners and more.
What’s inside? We’re not just a beautiful concert hall. We also have a welcoming café and bar situated in the old crypt (see page 14) serving hot food, snacks and drinks, a Digital Technology unit, specially designed Gamelan room and meeting spaces available for hire. The building is fully accessible and is a member of the Islington Climate Change Partnership, committed to cutting carbon emissions. Read more at lso.co.uk/lsostlukes.
10th Birthday Festival: celebrating a dazzling decade of music for everyone The past decade has seen outstanding music-making take place within these four walls. We’ve welcomed Chinese piano star Lang Lang as Artist-in-Residence; witnessed Sting perform on the lute as part of the quirky Eclectica series; presented a free lunchtime concert with violin virtuoso Midori; hosted BBC sessions with Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Annie Lennox (to name but a few); acted as a base for countless LSO rehearsals, many open to the public; and celebrated our community with hundreds of performances from local people of all ages. March 2013 marks ten years since LSO St Luke’s opened. To mark the occasion, we’re hosting a twelve-day Festival, from 21 March to 1 April. There’s a huge range of events to watch and get involved in. BBC Radio 3 will broadcast daily lunchtime concerts live from the building. The LSO’s education and community programme, LSO Discovery, will present showcases, interactive events and masterclasses. And it wouldn’t be a birthday party without special guests, so we’ve invited the award-winning Aurora Orchestra and middle-eastern jazzer and oud player Dhafer Youssef along for the ride.
How you can take part With 17 events packed into twelve days, there are endless ways for you to get involved in this celebration. Turn the page for live performances you can sit back and enjoy, if you want to discover more about what’s behind the music see page 8, and check out page 10 for events and activities to entertain the whole family.
Find out more lso.co.uk/lsostlukes10
6 Live performances
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‘I stumbled into a BBC Radio 3 concert a few years ago, on my lunch-break. I was totally transported by that hour and couldn’t believe this beautiful building existed, tucked away on busy Old Street. I’ve since seen all sorts here, including gypsy music, jazz and the Community Choir. There’s always something new to try.’
Fri 22 Mar 7.30pm
Mon 25 Mar 7.30pm
Thu 28 Mar 1pm
Gamelan Concert
Present. Curate. Collaborate. Innovate.
BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert
The LSO’s new initiative for emerging composers, LSO Soundhub, joins forces with teenage members of the Digital Technology Group. Curated by MOBO-nominee and Soundhub composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson.
Ravel Extracts from ‘Miroirs’ Ravel Valses nobles et sentimentales Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition
Andy Channing director Gamelan Lila Cita LSO Community Gamelan Group Immerse yourself in a vibrant performance of traditional and contemporary Balinese music; plus, hear some new arrangements which celebrate the 10th birthday. Tickets £7 (£5 concessions)
Shanika (43), Islington
Vienna Piano Trio
LSO Digital Technology Group is supported by David and Alexandra Scholey. LSO Soundhub is supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
Haydn Piano Trio in C major Beethoven Allegretto in B-flat major Ravel Piano Trio Tickets £10 (£9 concessions)
LIVE Performances: Sit back and enjoy If you love the experience of live music, why not come along to one of these performances? From gorgeous classical music (BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concerts, Aurora Orchestra), to world music (Dhafer Youssef, Gamelan) and contemporary music by the best new crop of composers (Present. Curate. Collaborate. Innovate.), there’s something for everyone.
Fri 22 Mar 1pm BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert
Vienna Piano Trio
Schubert Trio movement in B-flat major Notturno in E-flat major Piano Quintet in A major (‘Trout’) Tickets £10 (£9 concessions)
Sat 23 Mar 7.30pm
Aurora: New Moves Insomnia Nicholas Collon conductor Allan Clayton tenor Thomas Gould violin Aurora Orchestra
Nicholas Angelich piano Tickets £10 (£9 concessions)
Tickets £7 (£5 concessions)
Thu 21 Mar 1pm BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert
Nicholas Angelich
Tue 26 Mar 1pm BBC RADio 3 Lunchtime Concert
Wihan quartet
Mozart String Quartet in D minor Dvorˇák String Quartet in F major (‘American’)
A dynamic, award-winning chamber orchestra, Aurora presents a concert on the enthralling theme of sleep and dreams.
Tickets £10 (£9 concessions)
Tickets £12 £18 £25 £30 (20% student discount)
LSO Community Choir Concert
Aurora’s New Moves series is supported by Arts Council England and the Jerwood Charitable Foundation.
As part of the LSO St Luke’s birthday celebrations, the Community Choir celebrates its own anniversary with a programme of highlights drawn from ten happy years of music-making.
Tue 26 Mar 7.30pm
Tickets £7 (£5 concessions) Part of the LSO and LSC Choral Development Programme which is generously supported by the J Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust
Thu 28 Mar 8pm UBS Soundscapes: Eclectica
Dhafer Youssef
Dhafer Youssef voice, oud Eivind Aarset guitar Kristjan Randalu piano Phil Donkin bass Chander Sardjoe drums The oud is a pear-shaped guitar characteristic of Middle Eastern music. Its captivating sound finds an ideal exponent in Dhafer Youssef, who as a boy in Tunisia was so poor that he crafted his own instrument out of scraps, and who has gone on to dominate the world music and jazz scenes. Tickets £10 £15 £22
Fri 29 Mar 1pm BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert
Nash Ensemble Schubert Octet
Tickets £10 (£9 concessions) Wed 27 Mar 1pm BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert
LSO String ORCHESTRA Schoenberg Verklärte Nacht Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings Roman Simovic leader LSO String Orchestra Tickets £10 (£9 concessions)
8 Discover more & Get involved
‘I’m interested in watching what goes on behind the scenes so Discovery Days are perfect for me – watching the full Orchestra rehearse is fascinating and makes you appreciate the concert performances even more.’ Mike (56), Hampstead
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A little bit extra: Discover more and get involved Sometimes you want to do more than just watch the professionals do their thing. These events offer something extra on top of a performance, whether it’s the chance to observe a rehearsal (Brahms Discovery Day, Masterclass), take part in a Q&A (Lunchtime Concert) or actually pick up an instrument yourself (Not(e) Perfect Orchestra).
Sat 30 Mar 10am–5pm Workshops 5.30–6pm Concert
Not(e) Perfect Orchestra For all ages over 18
Wish you hadn’t given up your instrument all those years ago? Paul Rissmann and members of the LSO will work with you and your new band-mates to refresh your skills and prepare an informal concert for family and friends, including Elgar’s Nimrod. We invite all adults who haven’t played recently, or never get to perform with others. Tickets £10, booking essential To apply visit lso.co.uk/noteperfect or call 020 7382 2584
Sun 24 Mar 10am–5.30pm
Mon 25 Mar 12.30–1.15pm
Mon 1 Apr 10am–2pm
Brahms DISCOVERY DAY
Lunchtime Concert
Family OPEN Day
Find out more about Romantic composer Johannes Brahms with exclusive access to an LSO rehearsal followed by a lecture and a one-off performance of Brahms’ String Sextet by LSO string players. Tickets £17 (£13.50 concessions). Afternoon only £12 (from 2.30pm)
Suitable for all ages over 5
To mark LSO St Luke’s 10th birthday, LSO Principal Flute Gareth Davies has invited the Tempest Flute Trio, all LSO Woodwind Academy graduates, to join him in a performance of works for Flute Quartet, including a commission from a Soundhub Composer. Presented by Rachel Leach. Free entry, no ticket required Supported by the Coutts Charitable Trust and LSO Friends
Wed 27 Mar 3.30–5.30pm
Masterclass: Roman Simovic LSO Leader Roman Simovic focuses in on chamber music with musicians from the Guildhall School. Free entry, booking essential
Vanessa King workshop leader plus special guests On Easter Monday LSO St Luke’s will be completely taken over for this special, one-day event to celebrate its 10th birthday. There will be a variety of exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy, from interactive music sessions with LSO players, to a collaborative art project to help us tell the stories behind the building, including the myth behind the golden dragon on top of the spire! Babies and toddlers are also invited to join the fun with their very own musical VIP baby corner. The day will end with an exciting story-telling concert for the whole family. Tickets £3 children, £5 adults, booking essential (under 12 months free, no ticket required)
10 For the whole family
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‘I brought my kids to the Early Years Workshops a few years ago and haven’t looked back. The workshop leaders and LSO musicians are so full of energy and passion; they inspire the children to delight in sound. It’s magical.’ Sarah (32), Hackney
LSO ON TRACK: Olympic Orchestra Matthew Gibson conductor LSO musicians & LSO On Track young musicians The LSO On Track Orchestra from the London 2012 Opening Ceremony comes together to re-live the Olympic magic. Tickets £3 children, £5 adults LSO On Track is supported by the Clore Duffield Foundation, the Hedley Foundation, Sir John Cass’s Foundation and UBS
Mon 25 Mar 12.30–1.15pm
Lunchtime Concert Suitable for all ages over 5
To bring the whole family to: Experience music together Live music brings people together and can create unforgettable moments for your family. The events listed here are sure to inspire your children. Who knows, perhaps they could be the next LSO musicians? The Family Open Day is the perfect way to enjoy Easter and find out more about the exciting stories behind LSO St Luke’s.
To mark LSO St Luke’s 10th birthday, LSO Principal Flute Gareth Davies has invited the Tempest Flute Trio, all LSO Woodwind Academy graduates, to join him in a performance of works for Flute Quartet, including a commission from a Soundhub Composer. Presented by Rachel Leach. Free entry, no ticket required Supported by the Coutts Charitable Trust and LSO Friends
Sat 30 Mar 10am–5pm Workshops 5.30–6pm Concert
Not(e) Perfect Orchestra For all ages over 18
Paul Rissmann animateur Wish you hadn’t given up your instrument all those years ago? Paul Rissmann and members of the LSO will work with you and your new band-mates to refresh your skills and prepare an informal concert for family and friends, including Elgar’s Nimrod. We invite all adults who haven’t played recently, or never get to perform with others. Tickets £10, booking essential To apply visit lso.co.uk/noteperfect or call 020 7382 2584 Mon 1 Apr 10am–2pm
Family OPEN Day Vanessa King workshop leader plus special guests On Easter Monday LSO St Luke’s will be completely taken over for this special, one-day event to celebrate its 10th birthday. There will be a variety of exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy, from interactive music sessions with LSO players, to a collaborative art project to help us tell the stories behind the building, including the myth behind the golden dragon on top of the spire! Babies and toddlers are also invited to join the fun with their very own musical VIP baby corner. The day will end with an exciting story-telling concert for the whole family. Tickets £3 children, £5 adults, booking essential (under 12 months free, no ticket required)
12 LSO DISCOVERY’S REGULAR ACTIVITIES
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Shake, Rattle and Roll! For 1- to 5-year-olds
The LSO Early Years team and LSO players help little ones sing, listen, move and groove their way through interactive and creative music sessions. For more information email natalie.chivers@lso.co.uk
LSO Community Gamelan Group For all over 16
Explore the hypnotic and dynamic world of Balinese gamelan. Beginners and experienced musicians alike come together to play gongs, metallophones, drums and bamboo flutes, and work towards termly showcases. For more information email natalie.chivers@lso.co.uk
Always on: LSO Discovery’s regular activities and how you can be part of them LSO Discovery is the LSO’s music education programme, bringing great music to over 60,000 people each year. As well as the various performances and workshops listed in this Festival Guide, Discovery offers a range of weekly clubs for those living or working locally.
LSO Community Choir For adults who live or work locally
Now a decade old, the Community Choir is an integral part of LSO St Luke’s. Founded by TV star Gareth Malone, the choir rehearses weekly and performs regularly with professional artists, including the LSO. For more information email andra.east@lso.co.uk
LSO Create
LSO Youth Choir
For adults with learning difficulties
For children aged 7–18
Participants and their carers take the spotlight in these interactive workshops which introduce adults with learning difficulties to creative music-making.
A fantastic place for young people to hone their singing talents, make friends and be part of something bigger, with regular chances to perform at diverse venues, including the world-famous Barbican.
For more information email natalie.chivers@lso.co.uk Supported by The Ann & Frederick O’Brien Charitable Trust and Rothschild Charities Committee
Digital Technology Group For 12- to 18-year-olds
Making music is only half the story – coming together as a community is at the heart of these groups, and LSO St Luke’s simply wouldn’t be the same without them. Why not give one a go? To find out more about LSO Discovery visit lso.co.uk/lsodiscovery
A chance for teenagers to make the most of the high-tech studio equipment at LSO St Luke’s, and develop their creativity under the guidance of digital music experts. For more information email chris.rogers@lso.co.uk Supported by David and Alexandra Scholey
For more information email andra.east@lso.co.uk Supported by Finsbury Educational Foundation and Slaughter and May Charitable Trust
14 LSO St Luke’s Café
A place to relax: LSO ST LUKE’S CafÉ LSO St Luke’s is proud to run its own lively in-house Bar and Café. Hot and cold drinks, a well-stocked bar, sandwiches, snacks, cakes and other sweet treats are available for most events, opening an hour before concerts begin. Delicious hot meals are on offer before and after BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concerts. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed! So why not come along to the Café on your next visit to LSO St Luke’s? Our friendly team look forward to welcoming you!
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Access You can get this festival guide in large print, audio and electronic format. Call 020 7490 3939, email access@lso.co.uk or visit lso.co.uk
Hearing facility We have personal receivers for use with or without a hearing aid in the Jerwood Hall and Clore Gamelan Room. Please call 020 7490 3939 in advance to reserve a personal receiver as numbers are limited. Membership Visitors who have joined the Barbican Access Membership scheme can inform us of their access requirements, receive information in alternative formats and may be eligible for reductions on tickets. Contact the Box Office or visit barbican.org.uk.
Festival calendar – At a glance MARCH Monday 18
Tuesday 19
Wednesday 20
Thursday 21
Friday 22
Saturday 23
Sunday 24
1pm Vienna Piano Trio
1pm Vienna Piano Trio
10am Brahms Discovery Day
7pm On Track Orchestra
7.30pm Gamelan Concert
7.30pm Aurora: New Moves Insomnia
Monday 25
Tuesday 26
Wednesday 27
Thursday 28
Friday 29
Saturday 30
Sunday 31
12.30pm Discovery Lunchtime Concert
1pm Wihan Quartet
1pm LSO String Orchestra
1pm Nicholas Angelich
1pm Nash Ensemble
10am Not(e) Perfect Orchestra
Easter Sunday
7.30pm Present. Curate. Collaborate. Innovate.
7.30pm Community Choir
3.30pm Masterclass
8pm Dhafer Youssef
7.30pm LSO at the Barbican: Brahms German Requiem
7.30pm LSO at the Barbican: Brahms German Requiem
APRIL Monday 1
Tuesday 2
Wednesday 3
Thursday 4
Saturday 6
Sunday 7
Friday 5
10am Family Open Day
Booking Details lso.co.uk Phone 020 7638 8891 (10am–8pm Mon–Sat, 11am–8pm Sun) In person at the Barbican Advance Box Office, Silk Street entrance (10am–9pm Mon–Sat, 12–9pm Sun and Bank Holidays) Latecomers are normally admitted during a suitable break in the performance. On occasion, this may not be possible once the performance has started. Some performances are unsuitable for babies or young children. Customers are advised to check before booking. Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult.
LSO St Luke’s UBS and LSO Music Education Centre 161 Old Street London EC1V 9NG
Concession ticket prices apply to wheelchair users, disabled patrons, over-60s, students, under-16s and the unemployed. All bookings and discounts are subject to availability. All events promoted by, or in association with, the LSO. Photography Gautier Deblonde, Igor Emmerich, Olivia Hemingway, Nancy Horowitz, Steve Bainbridge (Islington Council), Kevin Leighton, Bill Robinson, Mario de Sa, Simon Weir
LSO St Luke’s Principal Donors