London Symphony Orchestra in Bonn

The LSO, under Valery Gergiev, put in an appearance at Bonn’s Beethovenhalle last night, performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no. 2 op. 19 and Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony. Pianist Alexei Volodin gave a beautiful performance of Beethoven’s late-18th century work, accompanied by a reduced LSO. The orchestra returned in full force after the intermission for a divine interpretation of Bruckner's Ninth, his unfinished and monumental last symphony. The LSO is returning to London to continue its 2009/10 season at the Barbican, but the Beethovenfest runs through to October 3rd - German Reunification Day - ending with a performance by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra under Kent Nagano (unfortunately already sold out). Among the highlights of the remaining festival are the premiere of Wagner’s Tannhäuser at Bonn Opera on Friday Sept 18 (some tickets still available), a recital by pianist virtuoso Maurizio Pollini on Saturday Sept 19 and a performance of Beethoven's Piano Concertos nos. 4 and 5 by the Chamber Orchestra of Europe on Tue, Sept 29. For a full list of events, go to the Beethovenfest website.
Text: Karin Walker