London Symphony Orchestra/Karabits & Crowe
Debussy, Berlioz, Mahler NB Conductor/soloist
A child’s view of heaven, and Shakespeare’s vision of hell: Kirill Karabits pairs Mahler’s Fourth Symphony with dramatic rarities by Berlioz and Debussy.
Mahler isn’t necessarily massive, and his Fourth Symphony begins with sleighbells, birdsong, and a melody straight out of Mozart. It all seems deliciously simple. But this is Mahler, after all, and between that playful opening and the final portrayal of a child’s Heaven, there’s a whole universe of drama, emotion and heart-piercing beauty.
With soprano Siobhan Stagg bringing all her insight and vocal radiance to that extraordinary finale, it’ll sound lovelier and more blissful than ever. Music is always part of a bigger picture, and two very different, (and very French) responses to Shakespeare’s bleakest drama will throw a fascinating new light on Mahler’s great song of innocence and experience.
A tribute to Bernard Haitink
This concert will be dedicated to Bernard Haitink, who died on 21 October 2021. The concert will include the first performance of a short piece by Mark-Anthony Turnage written as his gift to Bernard, with whom he had an important and special relationship.
Change of conductor
Sir Simon Rattle has tested positive for COVID-19 and unfortunately is unable to fulfil his engagements with the LSO this month.
He is currently isolating at home, with mild symptoms. We send him our very best wishes for a speedy recovery.
We are pleased to announce that Kirill Karabits has agreed to step in to conduct the concerts at the Barbican on 8, 9,15 & 16 December, and at Philharmonie de Paris on 13 December. The programmes for all concerts remain as announced.
Ticket holders will be notified.
Posted 11am Fri 3 Dec
Change of soloist
Lucy Crowe is unwell, with a cold and lost voice, and is unable to sing in the LSO’s performance of Mahler Symphony No 4 at the Barbican on Thursday 16 December. We are grateful to Siobhan Stagg for stepping in as soloist at short notice.
Posted 12pm Wed 15 Dec
Programme
Performers
This is a past event. Subscribe to our newsletters to hear about upcoming events
Booking fees
£4 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
You might also like...
Joyce DiDonato & Craig Terry
Half Six Fix: Mahler 4 NB change of conductor
Barbican Hall
Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Mobility
Spaces for wheelchair users in row U at the rear of the stalls (up to sixteen, depth of row 180cm) and the back row of the circle (four), both with fold-down companion seats. Some seats in row S of the stalls for people with very limited mobility.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the concert hall where there are a limited number of suitable seats in row G of the stalls. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the cloakroom staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
There is an induction loop in the concert hall. You can use this by adjusting your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting.
Free large-print programmes
These are available for most of our concerts. Please contact [email protected] at least a week beforehand, to prebook a large-print programmme.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
