Santtu Conducts Sibelius, Lindberg & Shostakovich
Days after their 80th birthday, the Philharmonia Orchestra comes together with dazzling trombonist Christian Lindberg in a programme that sings of freedom.
The possible hidden meanings within Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony, composed under pressure from Stalin’s regime, have long fascinated listeners.
There are generous helpings of spectacle along the road to the symphony’s triumphant ending – but is the triumph genuine or ironic?
Amid the heroism and drama lies the hushed, almost religious contemplation of the third movement, the tender heart of the symphony that moved the audience to tears at its 1937 premiere.
To open this birthday celebration, the Philharmonia’s Finnish Principal Conductor Santtu has chosen Sibelius’ hymn to his homeland, the adopted anthem of Finland’s struggle for independence from Russia.
Amid the resurgence of extremist politics in the US and around Europe, and the continuing conflict in Ukraine, the messages in Sibelius’ and Shostakovich’s music stand as warning and inspiration for us today.
Named the ‘Greatest Brass Player in History’ by Classic FM, Lindberg has single-handedly taken the trombone to new heights as a solo instrument.
He has given over 300 premieres, including his own works, and recorded over 100 solo albums. His hugely enjoyable concerto Golden Eagle allows his astounding virtuosity to soar.
Performers
Philharmonia Orchestra
Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor
Christian Lindberg trombone
Repertoire
Sibelius: Finlandia
Christian Lindberg: Trombone Concerto (Golden Eagle)
Interval
Shostakovich: Symphony No.5 in D minor
Need to know
For your visit
This event is held at the Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre
The Royal Festival Hall is open six days a week.
Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
Monday, closed.
Plan your visit
The Royal Festival Hall is home to our largest auditorium as well as The Clore Ballroom, National Poetry Library, Members’ Lounge, Festival Bar & Kitchen, Ballroom Cafe and Skylon restaurant.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
On Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen which opens out onto our Riverside Terrace. You can grab a coffee and a slice of freshly made cake from our Ballroom Cafe. Or alternatively enjoy destination dining in the restaurant at Skylon.
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.