Discovering Berlioz with the BBC Philharmonic

A unique discovery event exploring Berlioz’s enigmatic ‘Symphonie fantastique’

In this unique event, the erudite and affable broadcaster Stephen Johnson and the BBC Philharmonic explore the extraordinary sound world of a true landmark in musical history, Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique. Subtitled ‘Episode in an Artist’s Life’, it is to an extent an autobiographical piece that begins with innocent daydreams but leads to opium-fuelled visions of murder, execution and a witches’ Sabbath!

In the first half Stephen gets to the beating heart of the work with the help of live musical examples from Ben Gernon and the orchestra, illuminating both the music itself and the personal and broader contexts in which it was created. A complete performance then follows. The evening will be both instructive and thoroughly enjoyable and is one not to be missed.

Performers

BBC Philharmonic, Ben Gernon (conductor) and Stephen Johnson (presenter)

Programme

• Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique