Meet Tom Blomfield, Principal Oboe of the Philharmonia Orchestra, to learn more about what it’s like to be an oboist and to discover the fascinating story behind the Strauss Oboe Concerto. Created in the aftermath of World War II, this nostalgic piece is one of the few opportunities an oboe soloist gets to stand in front of a symphony orchestra. The concerto also forms a part of the Philharmonia Orchestra’s great recording legacy – the Philharmonia made the first recording of the piece in 1947. Tom Blomfield performs the Strauss Oboe Concerto on 19 January 2020 as part of the Philharmonia Orchestra’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen. Find out more and book here:  https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2510/voices_of_1945

Strauss Oboe Concerto with Tom Blomfield, Principal Oboe, Philharmonia Orchestra

Our monthly series of video podcasts takes you behind the scenes with the Philharmonia Orchestra, including interviews with conductors, soloists and listening guides to famous pieces from the classical repertoire.

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What does an orchestra do when it's not on stage? Since its inception, the Philharmonia has been renowned for its work as a recording orchestra. We can regularly be found in the studio recording for film and video games, as well as recording concert works. Join Patrick Bailey to explore the off-stage work of the orchestra, featuring music by composer Jessica Curry. --- We’re in this together. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like you to support the work we do through successes as well as these periods of difficulty. Please consider making a donation to our Keep the Philharmonia Playing appeal to secure our future and help us stay digitally connected with our audiences around the world. Like many performing arts organisations, the Philharmonia is facing significant disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to thank all of our supporters, Friends, audience members and wider community at this challenging time. We are doing everything possible to be performing live again soon. https://tickets.philharmonia.co.uk/contributions/donations

Philharmonia in the Studio

How do 60 individual violins, violas, cellos and basses transform into the lush sound of an orchestral string section? Who do they follow? What makes them all move together? Find out all of their secrets in this film. And subscribe to our YouTube channel to be alerted when our brand new series on the sections of the orchestra continues with the woodwind section. Keep the Philharmonia Playing: https://www.philharmonia.co.uk/donate  

The Orchestral String Section: An Introduction

Mahler’s The Song of the Earth is an hour-long, soul-searching journey in the company of a composer examining his own mortality and love for life from all angles. --- While we can't perform it for you tonight, conductor Xian Zhang spoke to us about the challenges of conducting the piece, as well as her time learning her craft under the tuition of Lorin Maazel. Like many performing arts organisations, the Philharmonia is facing significant disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to thank all of our supporters, Friends, audience members and wider community at this challenging time. We are doing everything possible to be performing live again soon. https://philharmonia.co.uk/donate

Conductor Xian Zhang on Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde

Last, but certainly not least. Join presenter Paul Rissmann to discover the final symphony from the remarkably prolific composer, Joseph Haydn. You’ll learn the importance of symmetry within the work, Haydn’s creative use of tiny motifs, and the importance of silence.

Listening Guide: Haydn Symphony No. 104 "London"

“If after this concert you don’t fall in love with classical music, you never will.” – Pablo Heras-Casado Meet Spanish conductor Pablo Heras-Casado ahead of his concerts of Russian classics this April. Maestro Heras-Casado shares his appreciation of the Philharmonia, his thoughts on the accessibility of classical music, and chats about Mussorgsky’s colourful classic, Pictures at an Exhibition, arranged by composer Maurice Ravel. Concerts: 1 April, Leicester:  https://philharmonia.co.uk/whats-on/200401_pictures-at-an-exhibition/ 2 April, London: https://philharmonia.co.uk/whats-on/190402-heras-casado/ 3 April, Cardiff: https://philharmonia.co.uk/whats-on/cardiff-liszt-stravinsky/ 5 April, Basingstoke:  https://philharmonia.co.uk/whats-on/200405-pictures-at-an-exhibition/   With thanks to Sea Containers London.

Strauss Oboe Concerto with Tom Blomfield, Principal Oboe, Philharmonia Orchestra

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