London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Simon Rattle

Sir Simon Rattle returns for a sultry Debussy’s tone poem, a thrilling new viola concerto and Prokofiev’s Fifth – his most beautiful and compelling symphony. With its shimmering harmonies conjuring dreamlike atmospheres, Debussy's Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune delighted early audiences with its hazy portrayal of a faun in the heat of a summer afternoon. Prokofiev wrote his Symphony No 5 in 1944 as Soviet forces pushed back the Nazi invasion and wanted the work to ‘sing the praises of the free and happy man’. The music is steadfastly noble, with a powerfully epic first movement, a central Adagio of almost overwhelming beauty, and a heady, optimistic finale. Plus, you can hear the UK premiere of Francesco Filidei’s theatrical, exploratory Concerto for Viola, which Sir Simon Rattle calls ‘a masterpeice’. Sir Simon Rattle brings a mastery of orchestral colour to these vibrant works, and is joined by violist Antoine Tamestit, to whom Filidei has dedicated his Concerto. The concert will finish at approximately 9pm, including a 20-minute interval (timings subject to change). Programme Claude Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune Francesco Filidei Concerto for Viola (UK premiere) Sergei Prokofiev Symphony No 5 Performers London Symphony Orchestra Sir Simon Rattle conductor Antoine Tamestit viola