The Sound of Stravinsky

The Programme

From its striking opening flourish to the Technicolor triumph of its final chord, Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three Movements makes audiences sit up in their seats. It was written at the end of World War II, after the composer’s move to the United States – can you pick out the rhythms of marching soldiers and the sound of American victory?

Stravinsky’s ballet Pulcinella puts the composer’s distinctive stamp on a 200-year-old musical style, with fabulous roles for three solo singers. Sandwiched between both Stravinsky pieces is Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No 64, a piece preoccupied with the passage of time – its title translates to ‘times change’. Packed full of charisma, Haydn takes the listener on a gleeful journey of surprising turns: some quick, some quiet, but always amusing.

The Performers

LSO Associate Artist Barbara Hannigan’s conducting debut was a Stravinsky opera, and her passion for the composer shines through every performance. And when it comes to Haydn, the LSO and Hannigan bring vivacious spirit to his music after bonding over the composer in recent seasons. She’s also joined by her choice of standout performers.