We regret to inform you that this performance has been cancelled. We are doing our utmost to support the national effort in reducing the spread of coronavirus and the health and well-being of all our visitors, staff members and visiting performers is our number one priority.

Ticket holders are fully covered for the full value of their tickets and will be contacted shortly. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming you on future occasions.

A note from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra:

“Following the Government’s announcement encouraging social distancing, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) will cease its concert programme until the end of May 2020. Given the health risks presented by the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is acutely aware of the need to protect the health of concert-goers, venue staff and the ensemble itself.

With millions of people self-isolating and working from home, the RPO will soon be introducing a comprehensive ‘RPO At Home’ digital programme that is intended to enrich people’s home routines, to help lift spirits during these unprecedented times.

Please do keep in touch by visiting the Orchestra’s website and social media channels, where you can find videos, blogs and Podcasts. Further announcements on scheduled RPO concerts beyond May will be made in due course.”

Opening the concert is Finlandia, Sibelius’ bold statement on a Finnish national identity that offers a glimpse of the soul of a nation and an urge to escape Russian oppression. His Symphony No. 5 further explores the composer’s admiration for the natural beauty of his homeland, creating a tangible sense of awe from the opening statement from the brass to the staggered cadence of the exultant finale.

Also featuring in the programme is Britten’s Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, an eight-movement setting of British poems that includes works by Alfred Tennyson, William Blake and John Keats, and is framed by haunting solos from the french horn.

Modern Italian composer Nino Rota’s Trombone Concerto is a lively journey in three movements demonstrating the range of the instrument, moving from eccentric rhythms and bursts of energy to measured, lyrical passages and back again.

This concert is preceded by an RPO Prelude at 6pm. (Please note earlier start time than previous RPO Preludes.)