The Full Works Concert: Tuesday 20 January 2015, 8pm
A special gala concert featuring Sir Willard White in Beethoven's mighty Choral Symphony.
Tonight’s Full Works Concert, presented by Jane Jones, is a gala concert recorded exclusively for Classic FM at the Royal Festival Hall last Tuesday featuring world-renowned bass Sir Willard White.
Listen to Jane Jones's preview of the concert:
The concert raised funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK and was conducted by the charity's Ambassador, clarinettist Michael Collins.
The concert begins with Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, delivered with real spirit and finesse by young soloists Laura van der Heijden on the cello, pianist Julian Clef and violinist Callum Smart.
The climax is Beethoven’s 9th. Arguably the greatest symphony ever composed, the Ninth is the summit of Beethoven's achievements, a masterful musical celebration of the human race and a work that makes all who hear it feel better about life. And yet, the composer himself never actually heard it. When he conducted its premiere, he was famously unaware of the rapturous response. It took one of the musicians to alert him to the cheering audience – and that was only at the end of the second movement.
Operatic heavyweights Sir Willard White, Natalya Romaniw, Anne-Marie Owens and Robert Murray provide heroic and epic solos echoed by thrilling sounds from the orchestra and chorus.
Pancreatic Cancer UK’s online auction supporting the event continues until 22nd January with some amazing prizes to be won, including a tour of the Classic FM studios, a holiday in Val d'Isere and a signed Jenson Button helmet!
Get bidding now.
Ludwig van Beethoven: Triple Concerto in C major
Violin: Callum Smart
Cello: Laura van der Heijden
Piano: Julian Clef
Michael Collins conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No.9 in D minor, ‘Choral’
Soprano: Natalya Romaniw
Mezzo: Anne-Marie Owens
Tenor: Robert Murray
Bass: Willard White
Michael Collins conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra and Philharmonia Chorus
(Chorus master - Stefan Bevier)
