PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
Premiere: BMW LSO OPEN AIR CLASSICS. London Symphony Orchestra and Valery Gergiev performe free open-air concert in Trafalger Square on May 12, 2012.
Mon May 07 11:41:00 CEST 2012 Press Release
London. The London Symphony Orchestra and its Principal Conductor Valery Gergiev will give a concert in Trafalgar Square at 6.30 pm on Saturday 12 May, free and open to everyone. The concert is the first in the BMW LSO OPEN AIR CLASSICS series, a major new partnership between the LSO and BMW. The programme will feature Stravinsky’s Fireworks, The Firebird suite and The Rite of Spring, as well as a performance of The Lite of Spring, an interpretation of Stravinsky’s work by Gareth Glyn for 100 young musicians from LSO Discovery, the Orchestra’s award-winning music education and community programme, who will play alongside LSO musicians on the stage. The concert begins at 6.30pm, is presented by LSO animateur Paul Rissmann and will feature large screens mounted on either side of the stage to allow the audience to witness the concert close up.
Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made to cater for the UK market.
London. The London Symphony Orchestra and its Principal Conductor Valery Gergiev will give a concert in Trafalgar Square at 6.30 pm on Saturday 12 May, free and open to everyone. The concert is the first in the BMW LSO OPEN AIR CLASSICS series, a major new partnership between the LSO and BMW.
The programme will feature Stravinsky’s Fireworks, The Firebird suite and The Rite of Spring, as well as a performance of The Lite of Spring, an interpretation of Stravinsky’s work by Gareth Glyn for 100 young musicians from LSO Discovery, the Orchestra’s award-winning music education and community programme, who will play alongside LSO musicians on the stage. The concert begins at 6.30pm, is presented by LSO animateur Paul Rissmann and will feature large screens mounted on either side of the stage to allow the audience to witness the concert close up.
Appearing live in Trafalgar Square for the very first time, LSO Principal Conductor Valery Gergiev will conduct three of Stravinsky’s epic orchestral works in the first in a series of annual outdoor concerts supported by BMW.
Also taking to the stage will be 100 young musicians from our partnership programme in East London – LSO On Track.
BMW LSO OPEN AIR CLASSICS:
Saturday 12 May, 6.30pm,
Trafalgar Square, London
Programme:
Stravinsky Fireworks; The Firebird – Suite; The
Rite of Spring
Gareth Glyn (after Stravinsky): The Lite of Spring
Valery Gergiev conductor
Paul Rissmann presenter
London Symphony Orchestra
LSO Discovery young musicians
Unticketed and free of charge
Valery Gergiev celebrates this new project:
“I congratulate the LSO and BMW on this initiative. I believe it is so important to take music beyond the concert hall. I hope that performing these great pieces in such an impressive outdoor space will encourage many new people to experience the very special sound and experience of a truly great orchestra.”
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:
“This fantastic partnership will give Londoners the chance to enjoy the delight of a live orchestra for free, as well as help promote our city's vibrant and diverse music scene to new audiences. The LSO concert is just one example of a series of feel-good, outdoor events taking place in the run up to the Olympics, creating a summer like no other."
Dr. Ian Robertson (HonDSc), Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG said:
“We are very proud of this new cooperation between the London Symphony Orchestra and BMW. With such an outstanding orchestra, we look forward to thrilling and passionate live concerts. Our thanks to the LSO’s innovative Managing Director Kathryn McDowell and the charismatic Principal Conductor Valery Gergiev for their enthusiasm and commitment in bringing this partnership to life. The free to the public “BMW LSO Open Air Classics” concert series on Trafalgar Square is the first international location of similar partnerships in Munich and Berlin. For BMW Group’s international cultural engagement, this cooperation is an important milestone towards the future of corporate citizenship. This is the start of a long-term partnership which we hope will be enjoyed by Londoners for years to come.”
Kathryn McDowell, Managing Director of the LSO, states:
“The LSO is delighted to have found such an original and creative partner in BMW to bring outstanding music to everyone in London for free! We hope that this open air concert will appeal to first time concert goers as well as classical music enthusiasts. Trafalgar Square is an iconic London location and represents the perfect venue to launch this initiative.”
For questions please contact:
Dvora Lewis PR
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7435 9257
Email: dlpr@dvoralewis.com
Antonia Niederländer
BMW Group Corporate and Intergovernmental Affairs / Spokesperson Cultural Engagement
Telephone: +49 (0)89-382-10422, Fax: +49 (0)89-382-10881
Dvora Lewis PR
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7435 9257
Email: dlpr@dvoralewis.com
Antonia Niederländer
BMW Group Corporate and Intergovernmental Affairs / Spokesperson Cultural Engagement
Telephone: +49 (0)89-382-10422, Fax: +49 (0)89-382-10881