London Symphony Orchestra/Half Six Fix – Vaughan Williams

Kick-start your evening with a 60-minute Half Six Fix concert featuring the music of Vaughan Williams. Introduced by the performers, with screens in the hall to bring you closer to the action. Inspired by folk melodies, Vaughan Williams’ work was instrumental during the turn of the 20th century, establishing a distinct voice for British classical music. He began writing his Symphony while working as an ambulance cartman in World War I. Despite its tranquil exterior, he thought of the symphony as ‘Wartime music’. The ‘Pastoral’ Symphony is paired with Vaughan Williams’ optimistic Symphony No 8. One of Vaughan Williams’ most loved compositions, the piece is praised for its playful scherzo, melodic cavatina and triumphant finale. Sir Antonio Pappano has a proven love of Vaughan Williams, this season completing his cycle of the composer’s symphonies with the LSO. His experience will no doubt provide enlightening analysis of the works in the pre-concert introduction. The concert will finish at approximately 7.45pm, with no interval (timings subject to change). Programme Ralph Vaughan Williams A Pastoral Symphony (Symphony No 3) Ralph Vaughan Williams Symphony No 8 Performers London Symphony Orchestra Sir Antonio Pappano conductor and presenter