| Víkingur Ólafsson | Piano |
| London Philharmonic Orchestra | |
| Edward Gardner | Direction |
‘Magical’. ‘Flawless’. ‘A hypnotic presence at the keyboard’. The critics ran out of adjectives when Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson played at the Royal Festival Hall last year, and if you’ve heard him in action, you’ll understand why. We’re thrilled to welcome him back for Brahms’s tempestuous First Piano Concerto: a volcano of poetry and emotion from the wounded heart of a young genius. It could have been written for Ólafsson – but there’s no letting up after the interval, as Edward Gardner conducts Bartók’s kaleidoscopic ballet, and celebrates the special magic of one of the 21st century’s true sonic alchemists: Freya Waley-Cohen.
Free pre-concert event
Edward Gardner and Freya Waley-Cohen discuss the world premiere of Mother Tongue. 6.15–6.45pm in the Royal Festival Hall.