On Tour in Paris

The evening

Experience the breadth of composer John Adams’ art in this concert celebrating his 80th birthday – from relentless, pulsating minimalism to a powerful exploration of faith and social justice.

One of a handful of true American greats, John Adams has enjoyed a long history with the LSO. This concert is one instalment of a journey into Adams’ unique world, beginning with his ‘symphony in one movement’ Frenzy. As the name might suggest, it’s an urgent, driving piece, built on the back of a single melodic fragment that the composer distorts and transforms throughout.

We’ll also hear an extract from the end of Act 1 of Adams’ powerful 2012 operatic oratorio The Gospel According to the Other Mary, focusing on Mary of Bethany’s account Christ’s final few weeks. To finish, the exhilarating three-movement Harmonielehre blends minimalist drama with neo-Romantic expression.

LSO Conductor Emeritus Sir Simon Rattle, one of John Adams’ greatest musical collaborators, is the perfect conductor to breathe life into these spectacular works.