The BBC Philharmonic in Sibelius and Beethoven

The Chief Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic, John Storgårds, opens tonight's programme with music dedicated to him by Per Nørgård. A mind-bending kaleidoscope of sound; glitter and jazz with a backward glance to Sibelius.

Paul Lewis joins the orchestra for Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto, the 'Emperor'; a chance to hear one of the best-loved concertos of all in the hands of one of the world's greatest performers of the music.

Unstoppable energy launches Sibelius's Third Symphony and an optimistic choral-like finale brings the work to a conclusion. Poised between them, the central movement embraces us in haunting melody and hypnotic lilting rhythm - music that gently tugs at the heart-strings, once heard never forgotten.

Recorded at the Bridgewater Hall on 22 March 2025
Presented by Tom McKinney

Per Nørgård; Symphony No.8
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 'Emperor'

8.30 Interval

Sibelius: Symphony No.3

Paul Lewis (piano)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
John Storgårds (conductor)

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