London Schools Symphony Orchestra announces 70th anniversary concert

Taking place on 20 September in Barbican Hall, the anniversary concert will celebrate the amazing work of the LSSO, hailed by Sir Simon Rattle as ‘an incomparable ambassador for the dynamism and excellence of British youth’.

The concert is set to premiere Eleanor Alberga’s new trumpet concerto, Invocation, which is based on Latin American and Caribbean folk legends. The LSSO recently celebrated Alberga’s 70th birthday with a staged performance of her orchestral showpiece Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Invocation was initially paired with dance choreography by Royal Ballet star Fernando Montano, but due to COVID-19 its opening performance was cancelled. Instead, in this performance Invocation will be accompanied by two ballet scores: Debussy’s Prelude à l’après-midi d’un faune, and Stravinsky’s Petrushka. 

Ash said: ‘Eleanor is one of the most exhilarating orchestra composers working today. She has a unique sound palette and a glorious imagination, which has been inspired by the myths and legend of her native Caribbean, including one about the creation of the world and the first sunrise. Pacho is a brilliant soloist, who can produce a staggering range of colours from his trumpets. I feel certain the two will produce a thrilling evening’s entertainment.’

The LSSO is managed by London’s Centre for Young Musicians, part of Guildhall Youth Artists - Guildhall School’s network of centres across the country that provides performing arts training for children and young people.

For more information or to buy a ticket, visit the Barbican’s website. 

www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2021/event/lsso-languor-invocation-and-magic