Conductor: Edward Gardner
Launching Southbank’s Classical Season, Edward Gardner takes the stage surrounded by the remarkable talent of London’s Philharmonic Orchestra with a lavish performance of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto. The night consists of three heart-pounding pieces, featuring pianist Yefim Bronfman.
The room falls silent, commanded by the energy and a look from Gardner to lead violinist Pieter Schoeman. George Benjamin’s Ringed By The Flat Horizon begins, and the audience is transported through a collection of stories individualised by each instrument’s conversation. A ghostly build of rattling drums and legatoed strings creates ominous beauty in the auditorium. Bodies grow tense and gasps catch as the piece teases numerous crescendos, leaving the room on the edge of surprise. Each section of the orchestra argues, whispers and interrogates each other until they collectively launch themselves into a whirlwind of beautiful chaos.
Finally, a breath can be taken, and oxygen is pumped back into the room as Yefim Bronfman makes his way towards his throne, a Steinway & Sons piano which has been brought onstage. Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 (Emperor) immediately transcends the atmosphere into something royal and grand. For the next roughly 40 minutes, music blossoms through the room with a breezy pace. Beethoven has created a masterpiece that welcomes delicacy and smoothness with times of calmness, and breathes wondrous pride and explosion when the piano is let loose. The audience sways, bounces and conducts in private as each note is executed with perfection.
Lastly, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 is the grand finale. The orchestra moves as one, as an Olympic synchronised swimming team leading the room to gold. Each page is turned at the speed of light, yet with the delicacy of a scientist as they sneak glances at Gardner, who conducts like a general. The audience waltzes from darkness to light as we near the end of this delightful evening. The Royal Festival’s Classical Season has kicked off with a bang.
Reviewed on 27 September 2025
