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London Symphony Orchestra live on Trafalgar Square
Around 10,000 classical music lovers took to Trafalgar Square on 27 May 2013 to celebrate the Bank Holiday in style - listening to a live concert of Berlioz from the London Symphony Orchestra and Valery Gergiev.
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1. Awaiting the LSO concert
The concert starts at 6.30pm, but the audience arrive early to ensure they get a seat. Picture: @LondonSymphony
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2. The crowds arrive
Around 10,000 people sitting on and around Trafalgar Square, with the enclosure itself full to bursting. Picture: Andy Squire
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3. Valery Gergiev
Fresh from a concert in Russia, the LSO prove classical music is for everyone by springing a concert on the centre of London, with maestro Valery Gergiev at the helm. Picture: Andy Squire
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4. LSO Open Air
Featuring players from the London Symphony Orchestra as well as young musicians from the Guildhall School and LSO On Track take to the stage on Trafalgar Square. Picture: Andy Squire
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5. Sunshine and Berlioz
A rare sight in London - the sun's out, and the LSO are playing Berlioz on Trafalgar Square! Picture: Andy Squire
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6. LSO Open Air
Featuring players from the London Symphony Orchestra as well as young musicians from the Guildhall School and LSO On Track take to the stage on Trafalgar Square. Picture: Andy Squire
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7. London Symphony Orchestra Performers
Performing music by Berlioz including the Overture to Le corsaire and the Symphonie fantastique. Picture: Andy Squire
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8. The view from the stage
A beautiful view of the church of St Martin in the Fields, as the LSO play live. Picture: Andy Squire
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9. LSO Open Air
Sitting down and enjoying the music. Picture: @LondonSymphony
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10. LSO badges
Volunteers hand out badges to add to the festival atmosphere on Trafalgar Square. Picture: @LondonSymphony
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11. Berlioz
Presenter Rachel Leach explained Berlioz's ideas, including the 'idée fixe' in the Symphonie Fantastique, a clarinet theme representing the composer's intense love. Picture: Andy Squire
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12. Covered up in case of rain
Come rain or shine, the LSO musicians are well-equipped for the British weather. Picture: Andy Squire
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13. LSO and Nelson's Column
It's still unmistakably the centre of London - Nelson's Column proudly marks the spot. Picture: Andy Squire
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14. Helpful screens
The concert programme is displayed on big screens on the sides of the square, with helpful notes about the music for classical music first-timers. Picture: Andy Squire
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15. An impressively large orchestra
Double basses and harps feature in the orchestral line-up today. Picture: Andy Squire
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16. St Martin in the Fields
The church of St Martin in the Fields lights up in the sun. Picture: @LondonSymphony
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17. The view from the stage
Principal Percussionist Neil Percy shoots a quick snap of the impressive audience. Picture: @NeilPercyLSO
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18. Big Ben and the LSO
Big Ben, otherwise known as the Elizabeth Tower, can be seen through the LSO's impressive rain-proof stage. Picture: Andy Squire
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19. Sights and sounds of London
Even despite the noise of the surrounding city, the music still draws an impressive crowd, and can be heard throughout the square thanks to a large speaker system. Picture: Andy Squire
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20. The LSO and Rachel Leach
Rachel Leach explains the story behind Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. Picture: Andy Squire
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21. LSO Open Air
Featuring players from the London Symphony Orchestra as well as young musicians from the Guildhall School and LSO On Track take to the stage on Trafalgar Square. Picture: Andy Squire
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22. LSO on stage
The sun streams through the LSO's temporary stage.
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23. Thanks for coming!
And it's all over, until next year, that is! Picture: @LondonSymphony
