Now Playing
Grand Concerto for Piano Duet Opus 6 (2) Ludwig Abeille
London 2012: the Olympics and Paralympics, one year on
Has it really been a whole year since Britain's summer of sport? London 2012 boasted some of the nation's greatest achievements in the world of sports - and some incredible classical music to boot. Reminisce with a few of our favourite pictures.
-
1. Nimrod at the Opening Ceremony
The athletes arrive, the flags are unfurled on the hill, and the Union Jack is flying. And the soundtrack? Elgar's patriotic tear-jerker, Nimrod, from the Enigma Variations.
-
2. Daniel Barenboim Olympic Opening Ceremony
Remember when Daniel Barenboim took to the stage as one of those selected to carry the Olympic flag?
-
3. Daniel Barenboim carries the Olympic flag
Pianist Daniel Barenboim carries the flag into the stadium
-
4. An amazing view of the London 2012 Stadium
The Olympic stadium is lit up during the Opening Ceremony.
-
5. Mr Bean and the London Symphony Orchestra
Remember the moment Rowan Atkinson brought the house down at the Olympics? His comic character Mr Bean joined in with the LSO for a rendition of Chariots Of Fire.
-
6. Chariots of Fire featuring Rowan Atkinson
Playing the most important (and most boring?!) part in the orchestral texture, Mr Bean wasn't best pleased with his starring role in the Olympics Opening Ceremony.
-
7. Simon Rattle conducts Chariots of Fire
Not one to be put off, Sir Simon Rattle conducts the LSO and their celebrity guest, Mr Bean, in a rendition of Chariots of Fire.
-
8. Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra
Trying desperately to keep Mr Bean in time...
-
9. Lonbdon Symphony Orchestra at the Opening Ceremony
The LSO played a brilliant - and hilarious - role at the London 2012 Opening Ceremony.
-
10. Rowan Atkinson takes a bow
Following his hilarious rendition of Chariots of Fire, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, Rowan Atkinson takes a bow.
-
11. Fireworks over London
A common theme throughout all the opening and closing ceremonies - dazzling firework displays.
-
12. Lang Lang's London 2012 sprint
It wasn't just the opening ceremony - remember the torch relays? Pianist Lang Lang carried the famous flame on its leg of the journey on 22 July 2012.
-
13. London 2012 Opening Ceremony - a bird's eye view
A different perspective on one of the greatest Olympic opening ceremonies in history.
-
14. Team GB arrive at the London 2012 Opening Ceremony
The moment we'd all been waiting for: Team GB arriving at the ceremony, to rapturous applause.
-
15. Music for the Royal Fireworks?
Going out with a bang, the entire Olympic Stadium is bathed in light as fireworks light up the London sky at the end of the Opening Ceremony.
-
16. Julian Lloyd Webber performs at the Olympic Closing Ceremony 2012
Marking the beginning of the end of the Olympics, cellist Julian Lloyd Webber serenades the stadium, playing from the top of the Royal Albert Hall.
-
17. British Military Band at the Olympics London 2012 Closing Ceremony
Adding a little more pomp to proceedings, a British military marching band performs during the Closing Ceremony.
-
18. Choir Singers during the Olympics London 2012 Closing Ceremony
Nothing like a choir to give you goosebumps. Remember the moment this group of singers took to the stage?
-
19. Fireworks during the Olympics London 2012 Closing Ceremony
An incredible fireworks display at the Closing Ceremony.
-
20. The umbrellas take flight at the Paralympic Opening Ceremony
Umbrellas seemed to be the theme of this brilliantly colourful opening ceremony. Ready, set, go - it's time for the Paralympics!
-
21. The Union Jack is raised
As the Union Jack is raised, Britten's rousing arrangement of God Save The Queen is piped around the stadium. Stirring stuff.
-
22. Paralympics GB Arrive!
The response didn't get more rapturous than this! The home team went on to come third in the medals table, winning 34 gold medals, 43 silver, and 43 bronze. Incredible.
-
23. Denise Leigh sings to the world
Soprano Denise Leigh and actor Deepa Shastri performed during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics at the Olympic Stadium.
-
24. Paralympics Closing Ceremony 2012
An inflatable Paralympic Agitos during the Closing Ceremony for the London Paralympic Games 2012 at the Olympic Stadium, London.
-
25. Lissa Hermans at the Paralympics Closing Ceremony 2012
Blind singer Lissa Hermans performed the National Anthem during the closing ceremony. She released the track as a single.
-
26. Pyrotechnics at the Paralympics Closing Ceremony 2012
Remember these pyrotechnics? Just one of the many incredible artistic displays at the spectacular ceremonies.
-
27. The British Paraorchestra perform
The British Paraorchestra had a fantastic year last year, with the highlight being this performance on stage at the Paralympics Closing Ceremony.
-
28. Paralympics Closing Ceremony 2012
Summing up the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, these athletes enjoyed the atmosphere as an incredible summer of sport came to an end.
