Boston Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven Piano Concerto No 2 & F

Beethoven was just 17 when he began work on his first piano concerto – published as No 2. – and The Firebird was Stravinsky’s first ballet score. But there’s no hint of inexperience about either of these works. In the hands of global phenomenon Lang Lang, the drama, emotion and grace of Beethoven’s concerto are as fresh as the day it was written.

The Firebird is based on stories from Russian folklore, with a colourful cast including a huntsman prince, a magical bird, an evil monster and thirteen enchanted princesses. It’s the perfect showcase for Stravinsky’s masterful orchestration skills and harmonic and rhythmic originality. The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s gloriously lush sound is just the thing for fairytales - hold on to your hats for the blazing full-orchestra fanfare of the finale.






Presented by the Barbican.

Part of Beethoven Residency: Andris Nelsons and Lang Lang and International Ensembles.

Barbican Classical Music Programme receives major support from Marcus Margulies and additional support In Memory of John Murray.





Programme