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Beethoven:
Symphony No.2 in D, Op.36
Hummel:
Trumpet Concerto in E flat
Bizet:
Symphony in C

Johann Nepomuk Hummel was Haydn's successor at the Esterhazy Court, and his Trumpet Concerto was first played on New Year's Day 1804 to mark his first day in the post. Tonight's solost needs no introduction; Alison Balsom is feted wherever she goes.

"Brillant: that's the word for the Classical brit Award's Female Artist of 2009." - The Times

Beethoven's Second Symphony was composed during a period of considerable emotional turmoil; even so it contains numerous musical jokes and surprises. Bizet began his symphony just after his 17th birthday; it is now regarded as a youthful masterpiece on a par with Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dream Overture.

The career of tonight's conductor, Santtu-Matias Rouvali, is developing at a remarkable pace. Following his debut with the Orchestra in January 2012, the exciting young Finn will take up the post of Principal Guest Conductor of the Copenhagen Philharmonic in September 2013.

"Superlative playing by the Philharmonia, currently in a league of its own." - Classical Source

Alison Balsom

Classical Brit Best Female Artist 2011, Alison Balsom is an acclaimed virtuoso trumpet player. Twice crowned Female Artist Of The Year’ at the Classical BRIT awards, Alison has earned wide recognition with her distinctive warm sound and chart-topping recordings. 'When the (Baroque trumpet) is played as fluidly agreeably as it is here, nobody could doubt that it is the right tool for the job... Balsom sounds utterly at home, whether intertwining coolly spun traceries with oboe and violin in the wondrous Symphony from King Arthur or merrily disporting in Handel's Water Piece' (Gramophone) 'Her trills and curlicues were indeed astonishing, and in the slow movement of Albinoni's concerto she showed the instrument can also be delicately expressive' (The Daily Telegraph). '... as you listen to her play, almost no matter what the repertoire, 'expressive' is a word that comes to mind, along with 'lyrical', 'warm', 'articulate', 'seductive' - words easily and often associated with the human voice' (Classics Today) '... every note is in pin-sharp focus, while her fluent technique elicits exhilarating tempos. No less arresting is her creamy tone...' (The Times).
Alison Balsom tour dates

Philharmonia Orchestra

One of the top orchestras in the UK. Since its formation in 1945 it has made thousands of recordings, as well as giving over 100 concerts per year.
Philharmonia Orchestra tour dates