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 June 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.”

The renowned Jerusalem Quartet, hailed for its ‘personality, integrity and lustrous tone’ (The Washington Post), features in the first chamber concert of the Festival, performing two of Beethoven’s illustrious quartets for strings.

The last major work Beethoven completed, the Quartet for Strings in F major, contemplates the legacy of his own chamber music. From the opening Allegretto, Beethoven acknowledges the classical influences of Mozart and Haydn in the unravelling counterpoint and, in the Lento, produces a contemplative and hymn-like movement that expresses a quiet and tender beauty, moving the listener.