BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus at the Barbican

Sir Andrew Davis conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Berlioz's large-scale setting of Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Recorded at the Barbican.

Presented by Martin Handley

Berlioz: Romeo and Juliet

Michèle Losier (mezzo-soprano)
Samuel Boden (tenor)
David Soar (bass)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
BBC Symphony Chorus
Sir Andrew Davis (conductor)

Conductor Laureate Sir Andrew Davis takes on Berlioz's retelling of Shakespeare's indelible tragedy with soloists, chorus and orchestra. Made possible by a gift of 20,000 francs from the violinist Nicolò Paganini, Berlioz's epic Romeo and Juliet turned out to be one of his enduring masterpieces, and he came to view the Love Scene as one of his favourite compositions. He warned, though, that this choral symphony was hugely demanding, and required 'long, patient rehearsal, impeccably directed', just what you can expect from Davis and the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.