London Symphony Orchestra/Gianandrea Noseda

Prokofiev’s mysterious Seventh was commissioned by the Soviet state radio for children. In fact, while it recalls treasured memories of his youth, this final symphony contains a deeper message of farewell. Beethoven wrote no fewer than four punchy overtures for his only operatic work. Number three was rejected for being a miniature opera in itself. Leonore, eventually renamed Fidelio, follows a courageous wife who rescues her beloved husband from prison.

Sally Beamish’s concerto begins with two soloists calling to each other across a distance, and explores connection and longing. This delicately nuanced interpretation of the Seventh Symphony forms part of Gianandrea Noseda’s thrilling Prokofiev cycle with the LSO. Distans was written for Janine Jansen and Martin Fröst, designed to make the most of their astonishing abilities.

Programme