BBC Philharmonic reveal unmissable autumn 2023 lineup

Step into the world of orchestral splendour as the BBC Philharmonic graces Bridgewater Hall in Manchester with a spectacular Autumn season from September to December 2023.

With an array of performances that promise to tug at heartstrings and ignite imaginations, this season is not to be missed.

The Bridgewater Hall, renowned for its acoustics and grandeur, once again welcomes the resounding notes of the BBC Philharmonic for a series of six concerts that will transport audiences to a realm of musical magic.

From timeless classics to avant-garde compositions, each performance carries a unique allure that speaks to the orchestra’s exceptional prowess.

The BBC Philharmonic’s Autumn Season

Kicking off the Season with Alma Mahler’s Ethereal Tunes

On Saturday, September 30, at 7.30 pm, the stage will come alive with the vibrant sounds of Janáček’s Sinfonietta, the melancholic beauty of Alma Mahler’s Six Songs orchestrated by Colin and David Matthews, and the emotional depth of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 ‘Pathétique.’

The mesmerising conductor John Storgårds will be joined by the enchanting Dame Sarah Connolly, a mezzo-soprano whose voice is a portal to intense emotion and enjoyment.

A Trio of Classics to Ignite the Soul

Prepare for a symphonic journey on Saturday, October 7, at 7.30 pm, with Mark Wigglesworth’s baton weaving the tales of Elgar’s ‘Cockaigne Overture,’ Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto performed by the prodigious Sunwook Kim, and Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5. Kim, who won the prestigious Leeds International Piano Competition at the age of 18, is set to cast a spell with his virtuosity.

Mystical Soundscapes and Imaginative Concertos

Under the baton of Eva Ollikainen, the orchestra will transport listeners on October 14, at 7.30 pm, through Haydn’s ‘L’isola disabitata’ overture, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 18, Anna Thorvaldsdottir’s ethereal ARCHORA, and Debussy’s evocative ‘La mer.’

Richard Goode’s masterful fingers and the world premiere of Thorvaldsdottir’s composition promise a night of musical dreams.

Nordic Spirits and Ethereal Violin

As the nights grow longer, the BBC Philharmonic, led by John Storgårds, embraces the mysticism of Scandinavia on October 28, at 7.30 pm.

The program features Sibelius’ ‘Pohjola’s Daughter,’ Sofia Gubaidulina’s ‘In Tempus Praesens’ for violin and orchestra with guest violinist Tobias Feldmann, and Einojuhani Rautavaara’s ‘Angel of Light’ Symphony No. 7.

Romantic Reveries and Operatic Fantasy

On November 4, at 7.30 pm, Kerem Hasan conducts a night of Romantic fervour with Wagner’s ‘The Flying Dutchman’ overture, Strauss’ orchestral songs performed by the captivating soprano Francesca Chiejina, and Mozart’s Symphony No. 35 ‘Haffner.’

The evening promises to whisk listeners away to operatic realms with poignant and thought-provoking symphonies.

Resounding Notes of Hope and Vision

The season continues on November 25, at 7.30 pm, as John Storgårds takes the podium and violin for Copland’s ‘Fanfare for the Common Man,’ James Lee III’s ‘Shades of Unbroken Dreams’ and Sebastian Fagerlund’s ‘Helena’s Song,’ both UK premieres, and Nielsen’s Symphony No. 4 ‘The Inextinguishable.’

The concert marks a celebration of enduring dreams and the power of music to unite.

A Finale of Whimsy and Melodic Charm

Sir Andrew Davis conducts the final concert on December 2, at 7.30 pm, featuring Tippett’s ‘The Rose Lake,’ Humperdinck’s ‘Hansel and Gretel’ selection, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8.

The evening is a delightful blend of earnest melodies and whimsical compositions, a fitting crescendo to an extraordinary season.

The BBC Philharmonic, after receiving critical acclaim for their appearances at the BBC Proms 2023, stands as a nominee for the coveted Gramophone Award’s Orchestra of the Year.

With each performance, they paint a canvas of emotions, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the tapestry of sound and story.

The BBC Philharmonic made four appearances as part of the BBC Proms 2023 at the Royal Albert Hall, receiving great critical acclaim.

The orchestra has recently been nominated for a Gramophone Award as Gramophone’s Orchestra of the Year, one of only two British orchestras on the shortlist.

To vote for them click here before 8 September!

You can get your tickets to this amazing series of concerts by clicking here.

About the BBC Philharmonic

Based in Salford and having earned worldwide recognition as one of the most adventurous and versatile orchestras, the BBC Philharmonic brings a rich and diverse variety of music to the broadest range of listeners.

It usually performs around 100 concerts every year, regularly premiering new music by today’s most exciting composers.

Along with concerts, recordings and broadcasts on all seven BBC national radio networks, the BBC Philharmonic enthusiastically explores ways of making classical music accessible to the widest audiences.

In 2020 the BBC Philharmonic entered the UK Top 40 charts with Four Notes:
Paul’s Tune and, in February 2022 it released The Musical Story of the Gingerbread Man – a unique musical re-telling of the classic children’s tale narrated by BBC Radio 5Live’s Nihal Arthanayake.

The BBC Philharmonic is reimagining the orchestral experience for a new generation – challenging perceptions, championing innovation, and taking a rich variety of music to the widest range of audiences.  Along with around 35 free concerts a year at its MediaCityUK studio in Salford and a series of concerts at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, the orchestra broadcasts concerts from venues across the
North of England and annually at the BBC Proms. Its performances are broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and available on BBC Sounds.

The orchestra also records regularly for the Chandos label and has created a catalogue of over 300 discs and digital downloads.

Championing new music, the BBC Philharmonic has recently given world premieres of works by Tom Coult, David Matthews, Emily Howard, Outi Tarkiainen, Anna Thorvolsdottir, Erland Cooper, Anna Appleby and Robert Laidlow with the scope of the orchestra’s output extending far beyond the standard repertoire.

The BBC Philharmonic’s Chief Conductor is John Storgårds, with whom the orchestra has held a long and successful association.

In 2020 the BBC Philharmonic entered the UK Top 40 charts with Four Notes: Paul’s Tune and, in 2022 it released The Musical Story of the Gingerbread Man – a unique musical re-telling of the classic children’s tale narrated by BBC Radio 5 Live’s Nihal Arthanayake.

In May it performed at the 2023 Eurovision song contest, both at a free concert with previous Ukrainian winner Jamala, and in the final itself with Italian artist Mahmood, for a soulful rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine during the Liverpool Songbook medley.

Through all its activities, the BBC Philharmonic is bringing life-changing music experiences to audiences across Greater Manchester, the North of England, the UK and around the world.