Classical Music Concert Reccomendation

[Irishlad74]

Hi,

I would like to take my wife to see a classical music concert in London, we would like to see the more well known classics played. I have a few queries!

1. What is the main differences between the diferent orchestras (symphony, phillharmonic, Royal etc)

2. Which venue should be try for?

any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Brendan

[naomi24]

I'm not sure what sort of concert you're after, but a good place to start if you've never been to a classical concert is at one of the Classical Spectaculars at the Royal Albert Hall. It's a lovely night out, and it includes a mixture of popular classics, including the 1812 complete with fireworks - but it's worth buying tickets in either the stalls or the circle - the seats in the Gods offer restricted viewing.

http://www.raymondgubbay.co.uk/newDisplayEvent .asp?eventid=573

[Ethel]

There is no difference between symphony and philharmonic - these are simply used to differentiate between two different orchestras in the same town or city. It does not indicate what sort of music or instruments that is played.


The Classic Spectacular is an excellent choice - nearly everyone will recognise the majority of the music from film and adverts and so on.

[Irishlad74]

Cheers for that.

I'll get on the case.

Brendan

[Octavius]

It�s a difficult one as it comes down to a matter of personal taste. Are you happy enough to sit listening and watching an orchestra play, or would you prefer something more, maybe some singing (opera etc) or dancing (ballet etc) as well?

The major venues in London are:
Royal Opera House
Southbank Centre (Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room)
Wigmore Hall
St John's Smith Square
Barbican Centre
Royal Albert Hall
London Coliseum (ENO)
RPO website has national listings as well.

You could look at the venue listings on their websites to see what might appeal to you. If you are not really into classical music as such, you might prefer a mixed repertoire by several composers. Opera and ballet tend to feature the better known/popular pieces. Alternatively hear pieces from film and TV such as:

http://www.rpo.co.uk/c_t_rpo_season_detail.asp ?ConcertID=966

As Naomi has said, if you want a bit of light hearted fun, variation and intro to popular classical pieces, try the annual Classical Spectacular at the Royal Albert Hall (November) its good family fun and not too heavy.

[Octavius]

In respect of the �types�:

Symphony and Philharmonic orchestras are large and play any orchestral music, generally very little difference and tend to just distinguish between two �teams' as it were in the same city such as in London and Liverpool.

Chamber orchestras are much smaller and play chamber music (duets etc)

Ballet and Opera orchestras play for Ballet and Opera companies

Session orchestras are brought together to record film and television scores.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is a symphony orchestra formed in 1946. It was formed on the back of The Philharmonic Society which received its Royal title in 1912.

[naomi24]

I'm pretty sure there are two Classical Spectaculars a year, Octavius. I think they do one in February too - although of course Brendan is too late for that one.

[Octavius]

You may well be right about twice a year but in London I think it is every November and I think the other time might be in Liverpool, although it does travel all over the world and is played by various city/national orchestras.

Another option is the Classical Gala, in April at Barbican.

[rabbitygirl]

I recommend the Barbican. My favourite venue, even over the R A Hall. Comfy seats, lots of leg room, totally unrestricted views because the seating is properly tiered and a lovely intimate atmosphere despite the size of the hall.

[naomi24]

Ah, maybe they've changed it now. I've certainly seen it at the Albert Hall in both February and November in the past.