Simon Rattle and Lang Lang, Barbican Centre

Sir Simon Rattle, the London Symphony Orchestra’s chief conductor elect, is often associated with the latter end of romanticism – Dvorak, Mahler, Debussy. But this is only a small segment in the spectrum of his taste. In recent years he has devoted particular focus to Haydn, the grandmaster of the classical era.
For his final fixtures in the Barbican Centre’s 2016-17 season, and his last LSO guest conducting spots before he takes the reins in September, Rattle will present his own pasticcio of Haydn’s music over two successive nights. Inspired by the work of Mark Minkowski on Rameau, An imaginary orchestral journey is an hour-long voyage through several of Haydn’s most enthralling pieces. In Rattle’ own words, “Hopefully this pasticcio will give a picture of the composer who most summed up all the ideals of the Enlightenment, of intelligence, respect, humour, wit and profound thought.”
The Haydn will be preceded by two very different works. First up, the LSO will play excerpts from Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde (1857-9), perhaps the greatest of all operas; expect the evergreen Prelude. Then, Chinese superstar Lang Lang will lead Bartok’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (1930-1), a fiendishly difficult piece notorious for the strain it places on a pianist’s hand. There is every chance Rattle and Lang will handle it with aplomb.
Tickets for the Barbican Centre’s 2016-17 season open to the general public at 10am on 10 Feb. Members booking opens at the same time on 3 Feb, while Members Plus can purchase from 1 Feb.