BBC Philharmonic - Saint-Saëns’s Organ Symphony

Geoffrey Paterson conductor *
Dame Sarah Connolly mezzo–soprano *
Jonathan Scott organ 

Duruflé Three Dances
Chausson Poème de l’amour et de la mer
Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3, ‘Organ’

The pipes of the Bridgewater Hall organ get a full wash, wax and valet tonight with a performance characterised by Romantic splendour. Saint-Saëns’s spectacular Third Symphony takes us on a dramatic journey from darkness to light, and gave us the theme music to the iconic pig-based classic, Babe.

Geoffrey Paterson conducts this French programme in all its finery. Before that, we’ll hear music by Ernest Chausson, one of the 19th century’s great melodists: Poème de l’amour et de la mer, his masterpiece for singer and orchestra. But we start with Three Dances by Maurice Duruflé, successor to the Impressionists and Paul Dukas. Most famous for his Requiem, Duruflé wrote only two works for orchestra and more’s the pity! These dances are rare jewels in the crown of French 20th century music.

*John Wilson has broken his arm in a recent cycling accident and so with regret is unable to conduct this Saturday’s concert. Unfortunately, Alice Coote is also unwell and will be unable to perform. 

However, we are delighted that Geoffrey Paterson will step in to conduct the concert and Dame Sarah Connolly will be the soloist for Chausson’s Poème de l’amour et de la mer.