Behind the Scenes: the orchestral rehearsal

Paavo Järvi rehearses the Philharmonia

Paavi Järvi rehearses the Philharmonia

By Mark Pullinger, 05 July 2019

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“It’s a fantastic orchestra. It has an incredible musical spirit. I am a big fan”

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The new work will include the bells being cast for the eighteen towers of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, which is expected to be completed in 2026 after 144 years.

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Founded in 1945, London’s Philharmonia Orchestra is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year with an ambitious season featuring many returning artists, and an extensive US tour.

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Bachtrack, 8th September

The conductor who transformed The Cleveland Orchestra into one of the world's leading ensembles died on 6th September 2025, just two days before his 96th birthday.

Mark Pullinger

Mark has been a Bachtrack editor since 2014. He is also an experienced critic, writing hundreds of reviews for the site, as well as a freelancer writing for other magazines and newspapers. He also writes programme notes and blogs on Substack. Mark has a particular passion for the operas of Verdi as well as Russian and French repertoire. Outside the concert hall and opera house, Mark enjoys cooking and travel and is probably at his happiest let loose in a French patisserie or a Viennese coffee house.