Béla Bartók: In New York, with Esa-Pekka Salonen
Esa-Pekka Salonen travels to New York to see where Belá Bartók spent his final years. Throughout 2011, Esa-Pekka Salonen travelled throughout the UK and Europe, undergoing a major...
Features
City of Light: Naturally Inspired
Find out how French composers bring a uniquely French version of nature - controlled and crafted to perfection - into their art. Series Advisors Caroline Potter and Caroline Rae discuss...
Philharmonia Education: Hear and Now (2016)
Led by Artistic Director Tim Steiner, Hear and Now is a major intergenerational creative collaboration between the Tibbs Dementia Foundation’s Music 4 Memory, a singing group for...
Esa-Pekka Salonen Remembers His Philharmonia Orchestra Debut with Mahler's Third Symphony
It was a fateful September in 1983 when Esa-Pekka Salonen received a call from his agent saying the Philharmonia Orchestra needed someone to replace conductor Michael Tilson Thomas...
Vladimir Ashkenazy Conducts Rachmaninov Symphony No.1 (Preview #1)
Between November 2015 and 2016, the Philharmonia Orchestra’s Conductor Laureate Vladimir Ashkenazy conducted the Orchestra in a cycle of Rachmaninov’s three symphonies and the Symphonic...
Håkan Hardenberger & Andris Nelsons in Conversation and Rehearsal
Trumpeter Håkan Hardenberger, performs a major series, titled The Trumpet Shall Sound, with the Philharmonia Orchestra in December 2015/January 2016. We caught Håkan after his rehearsal...
City of Light: Ravel's World
A universe in each room, and a forest for his imagination... Journey with us outside Paris to uncover Maurice Ravel’s endlessly creative, boundless world. We travelled to Ravel's...
Jakub Hrůša, Principal Guest Conductor
The Philharmonia Orchestra has appointed two internationally acclaimed conductors, Jakub Hrůša and Santtu-Matias Rouvali, as Principal Guest Conductors. Hrůša and Rouvali take up...
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Sigmund Freud
Julian Johnson speaks to Michael Molnar from the Freud Museum to find out more about the life and work of Sigmund Freud.
Finnish Folk Music - Pekka Kuusisto Home Video - August 2017
We’re thrilled to share the second instalment of violinist Pekka Kuusisto’s folk song videos from his home in Finland. This tune is a minuet from the village of Tuikka (Tjöck)...
Håkan Hardenberger & Alistair Mackie in Conversation
Discover more about the great trumpet player Håkan Hardenberger and his affinity with the trumpet in this extended interview with Alistair Mackie, the Philharmonia Orchestra's principal...
Philharmonia Education: Play On
A short film about Play On, a unique project bringing together pupils and staff from Hounslow and Kingston music services and musicians from the Philharmonia Orchestra which culminated...
Witold Lutosławski: Aleatoric Method
Series Advisor Steven Stucky talks with Philharmonia Orchestra members Samuel Coles (Joint Principal Flute) and Mark van de Wiel (Joint Principal Clarinet) about Witold Lutosławski's...
Karole Armitage on Agon, Dance and Collaboration | Rituals | Stravinsky: Myths & Rituals
Agon was supposed to be a ballet to end all ballets – that’s what the choreographer George Balanchine wanted to complete his trio of myth-based ballet collaborations with Stravinsky:...
The Firebird Project: Documentary
What happened when we brought together young musicians and dancers from southwest London to create their own version of Stravinsky's The Firebird? Find out about this unique and moving...
Three Choirs Festival (Archive)
The Three Choirs Festival is the world's oldest and greatest Choral festival, where the Philharmonia continues their residency. (Film from 2012)
Commissioning Witold Lutosławski's Cello Concerto
Commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society, Witold Lutosławski's Cello Concerto was written for and premièred by the great cellist Mstislav Rostropovich at the Royal Festival...
Béla Bartók: Introduction to "Infernal Dance" Series
Series consultant Malcolm Gillies introduces us to the Philharmonia's Infernal Dance series, an exploration of the work and life of Belá Bartók. For more information on the series...
re-rite: Esa-Pekka Salonen on the project
We speak to Esa-Pekka Salonen about the Philharmonia Orchestra's Digital Residency - RE-RITE - which toured to Tianjin, China in April 2012; and Izmir, Turkey in June 2012. For more...
Béla Bartók: The Making of Bartók's Duke Bluebeard's Castle
Step into the world of Duke Bluebeard's Castle and discover the work done behind the scenes to bring the Philharmonia Orchestra's production of Bartók's only opera to life.
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Technology in Vienna
In 1897 trams were introduced to the streets of Vienna and have remained an integral part of the city ever since. Changes in transport and other areas of technology were constantly...
Tansy Davies: Forest (A Concerto for Four Horns)
British composer, Tansy Davies, has been commissioned by Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonia Orchestra to compose a concerto for four horns, to premiere as part of the Philharmonia's...
Philharmonia Education: Hear and Now (2010)
Based in the Queen's Park neighbourhood of Bedford, Hear and Now is a community-based music project now in its seventh year. In July 2010, the Philharmonia Orchestra, in partnership...
Finland at 100: Esa-Pekka Salonen Reflects
Love of nature, a strong civil society, great coffee... What defines Finland today as the country turns 100? Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor & Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka...
Beethoven's Fifth (Full promotional film)
The Philharmonia Orchestra has released its second exclusive piece of Virtual Reality content, Beethoven’s Fifth. Shot by Google’s VR team, the new film was conceived in partnership...
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Art in Vienna Part 3
We visit the Belvedere Gallery in Vienna and Tate Liverpool to discover why there was such an explosion in the arts in Vienna at the turn of the century.
Esa-Pekka Salonen on Mahler: Music for Conductors
“Strauss can be conducted by an orangutan and it still sounds pretty nice. Mahler... not so.”
Esa-Pekka Salonen reveals why so many conductors fall in love with Mahler’s...
オーケストラiPad専用アプリ エサ＝ペッカ・サロネン
Esa-Pekka Salonen introduces 'The Orchestra' app, with Japanese subtitles.
TRAILER: Lawrence Power Performs Salonen's Pentatonic Étude for solo viola
Enjoy this sneak peek of British violist Lawrence Power performing Esa-Pekka Salonen's Pentatonic Étude for solo viola. We release the full, world-premiere recording of this piece...
Legend of the Sky Leicester (2018)
Legend of the Sky is an epic musical reimagining of the ancient Leicestershire folk legend, The Griffin of Griffydam. Join the Philharmonia Orchestra and Leicester-Shire Schools Music...
Lawrence Power Performs Salonen's Pentatonic Étude for solo viola
We're excited to share this world premiere recording of Esa-Pekka Salonen's Pentatonic Étude for solo viola, performed by Lawrence Power. Salonen wrote the piece for Power and it was...
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Arnold Schoenberg Part 2
Julian Johnson explores the life and works of Arnold Schoenberg, as part of the Philharmonia Orchestra's concert series City of Dreams: Vienna 1900-1935.
Luigi Dallapiccola: Il Prigioniero
The Philharmonia Orchestra's Digital team travelled to Florence, Italy to discover the personal story behind Luigi Dallapiccola's opera, Il Prigioniero. Written between 1944 and 1948...
Esa-Pekka Salonen in Helsinki
Esa-Pekka Salonen travels to his home town for the first time with the Philharmonia Orchestra.
We follow him on his journey from Maida Vale Studios to the first night performance...
Introduction to the Philharmonia's Digital Takeover at the Southbank Centre
The Philharmonia's latest project brings the experience of the concert hall directly to you in dynamic 3D video. Step into the heart of the symphony orchestra and get the best seat...
Lorin Maazel: Mahler's Music
In this film from our archives, Maestro Lorin Maazel spoke with Classic FM's Anne-Marie Minhall about Mahler's symphonies and orchestral song cycles.
Witold Lutosławski - A Polish Life
In this feature-length biopic, Series Advisor Steven Stucky and Principal Conductor and Philharmonia Orchestra Artistic Advisor Esa-Pekka Salonen travel to Poland to the explore the...
The Making of Universe of Sound
This extended documentary goes behind the scenes at the Philharmonia Orchestra's Universe of Sound project, from conception to completion. For more information on the project, please...
Olivier Messiaen 1908-1992: Percussion in Turangalîla-Symphonie
Philharmonia Orchestra Principal percussionist David Corkhill takes us through all the percussion instruments and explains Messiaen's percussion writing.
Witold Lutosławski: Esa-Pekka Salonen and Steven Stucky in conversation
Series Advisor, Steven Stucky and Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen both knew the Polish composer, Witold Lutosławski well. In this...
Tom Service interviews Christoph von Dohnányi
On the occasion of our 70th birthday, we're thrilled to share this special interview between Maestro Christoph von Dohnányi, our Honorary Conductor for Life, and writer and broadcaster...
Discover Carl Nielsen with Paavo Järvi and Andrew Mellor
"It might be Scandinavian, but his music is altogether hotter, more volatile and certainly more of a rollercoaster ride." Take a closer look at the life and music of Danish composer...
Vaughan Williams: Richard Hickox on 'The Pilgrim's Progress'
In this film from 2008, we speak to conductor Richard Hickox about his upcoming performances of Vaughan Williams' semi-staged opera The Pilgrim's Progress with the Philharmonia Orchestra.
Olivier Messiaen 1908-1992: The Boston Première of Turangalîla-Symphonie
The Turangalîla-Symphonie was Messiaen's first major international commission, requested by Serge Koussevitzky for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
The piece was premiered...
Symphonize Leicester (2018)
"It’s the best experience. It’s opened my mind because I was thinking I wasn’t going to like orchestral music and classical music, but now I like it. The way they mixed it up...
Esa-Pekka Salonen on Mahler's Third Symphony
“For 90 minutes you don’t have to think about anything else.”
Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen introduces Mahler’s 3rd Symphony, which...
The Philharmonia Celebrates 70 Years: Pierrette Galeone & Emily Davis (violins)
Pierrette Duncan, née Galeone, played in the 1st and 2nd Violin sections of the Philharmonia Orchestra starting in the 1950s and spent 30 years as a member of the Orchestra. Our current...
Philharmonia Education: Alike in Dignity
In this film from 2010, we go behind the scenes of an exciting collaborative project between the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Working with 250 primary school...
Symphonize: Leicester
"I would do this every day if I could."
Symphonize is a pioneering creative partnership between Leicester-based Soft Touch Arts and the Philharmonia Orchestra, resident...
The Philharmonia Celebrates 70 Years: Ken Essex (viola) & Mike Hurwitz (cello)
Kenneth Essex is a well-respected session musician from the golden age of freelancing. He's played on a variety of recordings from work with the Philharmonia Orchestra to Fawlty Towers...
Salonen/Aimard: Inspirations
Delve into the minds of two musical greats in this short film featuring Esa-Pekka Salonen and Pierre-Laurent Aimard. Join the conductor and pianist as they prepare to perform Ravel's...
Béla Bartók: Folk Music
Malcolm Gillies and Esa-Pekka Salonen investigate Bartók's role as an ethnomusicologist; how he collected and notated folk music and how this inspired the music he wrote for the concert...
RE-RITE: Be the Orchestra
RE-RITE, the Philharmonia Orchestra's Digital Residency, allows members of the public to conduct, play and step inside the Philharmonia Orchestra with Esa-Pekka Salonen through audio...
Lawrence Power: British Viola Virtuoso
“Of all the string instruments, I guess it’s the greatest compromise…it shouldn’t really exist” – watch Lawrence Power, one of the world's leading violists, reveal the secrets...
RE-RITE: Be the Orchestra South West
RE-RITE is the Philharmonia Orchestra’s digital installation based on The Rite of Spring. Through this combination of immersive video and interactive design visitors can experience...
Play Your Part
As one of the world’s great orchestras, we strive to be at the cutting edge in what we do. As well as concerts with the world’s greatest artists, our ground-breaking education and...
The Vocabulary Lesson I: Symphonies, Concertos and Beyond
In preparation for our final concert of our 14/15 Royal Festival Hall season, First Violin member, Adrián Varela, introduces us to some of the musical forms featured in the concert....
Witold Lutosławski Biography: Stalinist Years (Part 3)
Third in a series of four biographical films on the Polish composer, Witold Lutosławski. Series Advisor, Steven Stucky and Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor...
Philharmonia Orchestra at Garsington Opera (2017)
In the summer of 2017, the Philharmonia Orchestra embarked on a new creative partnership to span five years with Garsington Opera. In this first season the Philharmonia performed Debussy’s...
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Schoenbergs
Esa-Pekka Salonen visits the family of Arnold Schoenberg to find out what it was like growing up with the father of serialism.
Les Noces with Pierre-Laurent Aimard & Tamara Stefanovich | Tales | Stravinsky: Myths & Rituals
Delve into Stravinsky’s Les Noces with pianists Pierre-Laurent Aimard and Tamara Stefanovich. This striking piece features the rare sight of four pianos on stage, played alongside...
Witold Lutosławski Biography: Early Life (Part 1)
First in a series of four biographical films on the Polish composer, Witold Lutosławski. This film focuses on the composer's early life and beginnings in music. Series Advisor, Steven...
Sound Reimagined: 2016/17 London Season
Welcome to the Philharmonia Orchestra: 40 concerts, including live screenings, Sunday Matinees, Christmas concerts, a Chinese New Year Celebration, free events and pre-concert talks...
Olivier Messiaen 1908-1992: Messiaen and Synaesthesia
We speak to artist Jane Mackay about how synaesthesia affects her artwork, and how it has influenced the incredibly colourful compositions of Olivier Messiaen.
Recording the Soundtrack to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Video Game
We go behind the scenes as the Orchestra records the music for the new Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Video Game.
Find out more about how music for games is composed...
Voices of Revolution: Russia 1917: Exile & Return with Martin Sixsmith
"The authorities - perhaps suspecting Prokofiev was taking the mickey - frowned on the Cantata..."
Get to know his turbulent relationship with the Soviet regime as Martin...
MusicLab 2014
MusicLab was a pop-up digital installation, filled with a series of hands-on musical games, instruments and videos designed to put the visitor in the shoes of composer, performer...
Composer Joby Talbot on 'Worlds, Stars, Systems, Infinity'
In this interview, composer Joby Talbot discusses his composition "Worlds, Stars, Systems, Infinity", which was commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra as part of the digital installation...
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Arnold Schoenberg Part 3
Julian Johnson explores the life and works of Arnold Schoenberg, ahead of the Philharmonia Orchestra's concert series City of Dreams: Vienna 1900-1935.
Olivier Messiaen 1908-1992: Messiaen and the Organ
Composer Olivier Messiaen was the organist at La Trinité Church in Paris for over 60 years, and both the organ and the church influenced his life and compositions.
Esa-Pekka Salonen on Stravinsky and Faith | Stravinsky: Myths & Rituals
In Stravinsky’s later life he looked to religion for comfort and inspiration, both directly to his own Russian Orthodox faith, and more widely. Esa-Pekka Salonen reflects on Stravinsky’s...
City of Light: The Montparnasse Melting Pot
In the early decades of the 20th century, the cafés of Paris's Montparnasse neighbourhood were an extraordinary hub of artistic activity and collaboration, fuelling a remarkable revolution...
Béla Bartók: Orbit
Malcolm Gillies and Esa-Pekka Salonen explore Béla Bartók's world.
Malcolm Gillies discusses Bartók in relation to other key composers of his time such as Schoenberg
Esa-Pekka Salonen joins the Philharmonia Orchestra (2008)
Esa-Pekka Salonen discusses his thoughts and ideas prior to joining the Philharmonia Orchestra as Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor in September 2008.
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Art in Vienna Part 1
We visit the Belvedere Gallery in Vienna and Tate Liverpool to discover why there was such an explosion in the arts in Vienna at the turn of the century.
Adrián Varela and Kirpal Singh Panesar in conversation
Philharmonia Orchestra violinist Adrián Varela and Tar Shehnai player Kirpal Singh Panesar come together to learn about each other's instrument, techniques, and ensemble playing.
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Series Preview
Series Consultant Julian Johnson takes a look at music and culture in Vienna, 1900-1935, ahead of the Philharmonia's first major project with Esa-Pekka Salonen, City of Dreams (Vienna...
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Social Changes in 20th Century Vienna
Julian Johnson looks at the social aspects of the changes in Vienna, and how the decline of the Austro-Hungarian empire in combination with other social changes affected the art of...
Esa-Pekka Salonen – Celebrating 30 years conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra
In this film, Philharmonia members past and present tell the story of how a last-minute decision by the Orchestra's management 30 years ago ignited what would go on to be a long-lasting...
Carl Davis on the film 'Waterloo'
Conductor and Composer Carl Davis discusses 'Waterloo', Karl Grune's 1928 film, ahead of a concert with the Philharmonia Orchestra which took place in April 2010.
Friends of the Philharmonia Orchestra
From just £35 a year, Friends enjoy a variety of benefits in return for their support, that give them exclusive access to the orchestra and its musicians. Find out more about becoming...
Dennis Brain: A Tribute
Dennis Brain was the Philharmonia's Principal Horn from 1945 until his tragic death in 1957. This archive film from our podcast in November 2007 takes a look behind the scenes of the...
The Philharmonia Orchestra
Acknowledged as the UK's foremost musical pioneer, the Philharmonia Orchestra lives at the heart of British musical life. In this film, Simon Oliver (Double Bass & former Chairman)...
London Mela 2013 in Gunnersbury Park
The Philharmonia Orchestra were delighted to be invited to the Classical Stage at London Mela 2013, to perform Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's composition 'Samaagam', played on the sarod by...
オーケストラ 日本語版が発売中
Philharmonia on Tour: Paris & The Rite of Spring (2013)
Go on a journey with Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonia Orchestra to Paris, as they prepare for a particularly special performance of the Rite of Spring at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées...
Strike a Chord!
In partnership with The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil and inspired by the work of Roald Dahl, Strike a Chord! explores creative music making in the classroom, as well as offering hundreds...
Olivier Messiaen 1908-1992: An Interview with George Benjamin
An interview with composer and conductor George Benjamin on his forthcoming performance with the Philharmonia Orchestra and studying composition in Paris with Olivier Messiaen.
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Art in Vienna Part 2
We visit the Belvedere Gallery in Vienna and Tate Liverpool to discover why there was such an explosion in the arts in Vienna at the turn of the century.
Pekka Kuusisto on Daníel Bjarnason's New Violin Concerto
Icelandic composer, Daníel Bjarnason, has written a violin concerto for the Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto. In this film, the Philharmonia Orchestra met Pekka in Finland to get his...
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Interaction in the Arts
In music and painting, we tend to fix our attention on a few astonishing individuals. But the nature of Viennese culture around 1900 was one of collective energy and vision. We speak...
City of Light: Debussy's Life & Loves
The composer Claude Debussy had a tumultuous love life, as series advisor Caroline Potter describes during her visit to Debussy's birthplace in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
Soldier of Orange - for the Orchestras of the Netherlands
Esa-Pekka Salonen: Jean Sibelius & Finnish Independence (TRAILER)
The Finnish independence movement was not straightforward. For it to succeed, cultural leaders like composer Jean Sibelius were needed to help bring people together and unite behind...
Esa-Pekka Salonen on Shostakovich's 4th Symphony
In this interview, Esa-Pekka Salonen discusses Shostakovich's Symphony No 4. Written at a politically turbulent time, during which was published the infamous Pravda article denouncing...
The Orchestra App - Discover the Instruments
The Orchestra is an extraordinary new app from Touchpress that will delight anyone with even a passing interest in classical music. Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the world-renowned Philharmonia...
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Popular Culture
Julian Johnson looks at the effect popular Viennese culture had on composers at the turn of the century.
Recording with the Philharmonia
Founded as a recording orchestra in 1945, the Philharmonia continues its reputation today as an exceptional ensemble in the studio, with decades of experience across a huge range of...
Esa-Pekka Salonen, Kaija Saariaho and Olivier Latry introduce Saariaho's Maan varjot
Composing a work for organ and orchestra is not an easy task, but celebrated Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho was up to the challenge in her new piece, Maan varjot (Earth's Shadows)....
Voices of Revolution: Russia 1917: Fear & Repression with Martin Sixsmith
"This petty-bourgeois formalist game may end very badly..."
Dive into the "Alice in Wonderland world of socialist realism" with Martin Sixsmith, exploring the tragic...
Robin O'Neill, Principal Bassoon, on The Rite of Spring | Stravinsky: Myths&Rituals
Robin O'Neill, Principal Bassoon of the Philharmonia Orchestra, knows the famous opening notes of The Rite of Spring intimately and has played them in countless concerts. Watch his...
Philharmonia Orchestra: Legacies
Find out more about remembering the Philharmonia in your Will with Double Bass player, Simon Oliver.
Philharmonia Chamber Players
Discover the magic of chamber music with the Philharmonia Orchestra in the Chamber Players series. Hear what playing in a chamber group means to the members of the Orchestra in this...
Legend of the Sky Leicester (2018)
Legend of the Sky is an epic musical reimagining of the ancient Leicestershire folk legend, The Griffin of Griffydam. Join the Philharmonia Orchestra and Leicester-Shire Schools Music...
Vladimir Ashkenazy Conducts Rachmaninov Symphony No.1 (Preview #4)
FIRST RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE.
Continuing an artistic relationship spanning decades, the Philharmonia Orchestra and its Conductor Laureate Vladimir Ashkenazy present...
Composer Unsuk Chin on The Song of the Children of the Stars (Interview)
“There is no boundary or difference: even different skin, different religion or different culture – we are all children of the stars.”
Music to expand your horizons:...
Universal Notes: A Musical Collaboration Between India and the UK
The Philharmonia Orchestra and Darbar have collaborated on an exciting cross-cultural music project called Universal Notes. The new piece was created in a year of workshops in India...
Gustavo Dudamel conducts Shostakovich's 5th Symphony
In this archive film from 2008, we go behind the scenes at a Philharmonia Orchestra rehearsal with Gustavo Dudamel to see what goes into rehearsing and conducting such an incredible...
Olivier Messiaen 1908-1992: An Interview with Sir Charles Mackerras
In this archive film from 2008, the Philharmonia's joint principal flautist speaks with the orchestra's former Guest Principal Conductor, Sir Charles Mackerras, about his remarkable...
Vaughan Williams: Richard Hickox on the composer
Conductor Richard Hickox discusses the life and works of Vaughan Williams and how he prepares to conduct a complete symphony cycle with the Philharmonia Orchestra.
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Arnold Schoenberg Part 1
Julian Johnson explores the life and works of Arnold Schoenberg, ahead of the Philharmonia Orchestra's concert series City of Dreams: Vienna 1900-1935.
Olivier Messiaen 1908-1992: Messiaen's use of birdsong
A film made as part of the Philharmonia Orchestra's 2008 season celebrating the composer Olivier Messiaen, exploring the use of birdsong in his music, particularly Oiseaux Exotiques.
Andy Smith, Principal Timpani - 40 Years at the Philharmonia Orchestra
In this extended feature, Principal Timpanist Andy "Thumper" Smith, described here by a fellow player as a "defining feature of the Philharmonia sound", looks back fondly on his 40...
Esa-Pekka Salonen on Mahler's First Symphony
“It’s a wild piece by a wild young man, and should not be treated with any kind of reverence” – Esa-Pekka Salonen shares his thoughts on how provocation turns to nostalgia in...
The Philharmonia Celebrates 70 Years: Vladimir Ashkenazy on the Magic of the Philharmonia
Maestro Vladmir Ashkenazy celebrates the Philharmonia Orchestra's 70th anniversary in this short film. Join him at the Purcell School for Young Musicians as he describes the magic at...
Happy Birthday, Esa-Pekka Salonen
Happy Birthday to the one and only Esa-Pekka Salonen, our Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor!
Since taking over a performance of Mahler 3 with three days' notice...
re-rite: Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg 2013
A film created by the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, documenting a groundbreaking inception of the re-rite project which took place in 2013, set in a multi-storey car park which forms part...
City of Light: Esa-Pekka Salonen Introduces the Series
During the early 20th century, in Paris, many of the greatest writers, artists, composers and thinkers came together and changed culture as we know it. Philharmonia Orchestra Principal...
Sarah Connolly on Mahler
Sarah Connolly speaks about her love of Gustav Mahler's music in anticipation of her performances with the Philharmonia Orchestra which took place on 5 May and 9 October 2011, as part...
Béla Bartók: At the Crossroads
Malcolm Gillies travels to Béla Bartók’s birthplace in Romania to explore the historical, ethnic, and political tensions that shaped Bartók’s Hungary, and informed him musically....
Canterbury Residency
The Marlowe and the Philharmonia Orchestra announced the Orchestra's residency at the venue in November 2011. The residency, the first by a major symphony orchestra...
Vladimir Ashkenazy Conducts Rachmaninov Symphony No.1 (Preview #2)
In three new upcoming album releases, the Philharmonia Orchestra and its Conductor Laureate, Vladimir Ashkenazy, present Rachmaninov’s three symphonies and his Symphonic Dances, recorded...
Santtu-Matias Rouvali, Principal Guest Conductor
The Philharmonia Orchestra has appointed two internationally acclaimed conductors, Santtu-Matias Rouvali and Jakub Hrůša, as Principal Guest Conductors. Hrůša and Rouvali take up...
Vaughan Williams: At War
Experiences as a stretcher bearer during the First World War, affected Vaughan Williams and the pieces he wrote for the rest of his life.
Witold Lutosławski Biography: Maturity (Part 4)
Fourth in a series of four biographical films on the Polish composer, Witold Lutosławski. Series Advisor, Steven Stucky and Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic...
Special Olympics Opening Ceremony Fanfare
Over the course of three months, composer and project leader Tim Steiner and Philharmonia Orchestra musicians worked with children from five SEN schools and two youth brass bands to...
Béla Bartók: Hungarian folk ensemble Muzsikás
Hungarian folk ensemble Muzsikás perform three traditional pieces for us before going onstage at the Valley of the Arts music festival in Kapolcs, Western Hungary. Muzsikás performed...
re-rite: Leicester
RE-RITE, the Philharmonia Orchestra's digital residency, traveled to Leicester in April 2010, transforming the Old Nursery in the city's Museum Walk into the experience of being inside...
Dvořák & Suk: A Journey with Jakub Hrůša
The composers Antonín Dvořák and his favourite pupil and son-in-law, Josef Suk, were both influenced by place and close relationships with loved ones. Travel to Prague with conductor...
Esa-Pekka Salonen on Sibelius & Finland’s Independence Movement
Art and music were central to the development of Finnish national identity and helped to bring together different cultures under a single Finnish flag. Philharmonia Orchestra Principal...
Philharmonia Education: Creative Orchestra
This film featuring Adrián Varela and Tim Steiner introduces 'Creative Orchestra', a Philharmonia education project which has taken place at various schools including those in Bedford...
Béla Bartók: Folk Inspiration
In this episode of the Infernal Dance series, Malcolm Gillies and Esa-Pekka Salonen delve deeper into Bartók's collection and use of folk songs. We trace Bartók’s journey from recording...
Witold Lutosławski Biography: World War II (Part 2)
Second in a series of four biographical films on the Polish composer, Witold Lutosławski. This film focuses on the composer's struggle for survival in Warsaw during World War II. Series...
Stravinsky's Journeys Documentary | Stravinsky: Myths & Rituals
Journey with us from the glamour of Paris to the sun-kissed hills of Hollywood and discover how Igor Stravinsky was able to transform his art throughout his extraordinary life. One...
Esa-Pekka Salonen carries the Olympic Torch
On a sunny July morning, the penultimate day of a route that had begun in May, Esa-Pekka Salonen, the Philharmonia Orchestra's Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor picked up the...
Gustav Mahler
Julian Johnson explores Mahler's Vienna, from his controversial appointment at the Opera House to his love for the countryside outside the city.
TRAILER: Lawrence Power: British Viola Virtuoso
“Of all the string instruments, I guess it’s the greatest compromise…it shouldn’t really exist” – watch Lawrence Power reveal the secrets of the viola in our brand new film...
Vaughan Williams: Opera - The Pilgrim's Progress
Prior to a performance by the Philharmonia Orchestra in 2008, we speak to The Pilgrim's Progress director David Edwards, Chairman of the Vaughan Williams Society Stephen Connock MBE...
Béla Bartók: Teaching
As well as teaching a generation of pianists, Béla Bartók published instructive editions of many pieces of core repertoire. In this film, series consultant Malcolm Gillies visits...
Listening Guide: Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex
Actor Simon Russell Beale speaks to Professor Jonathan Cross about Stravinsky's neo-classical opera, Oedipus Rex.
City of Light: Discover The Magic
Paris was the place to be in the first half of the 20th century, full stop.
An introduction to the Philharmonia Orchestra's concert series City of Light: Paris, 1900-1950...
Vladimir Ashkenazy Conducts Rachmaninov Symphony No.1 (Preview #3)
“Ashkenazy found an almost pastoral shade to the opening of the second movement Allegro animato; later, the music flickered like a Russian Mendelssohn.” – Seen and Heard
Hear...
Béla Bartók: On the Stage
Malcolm Gillies explores Bartók's three stage works: Duke Bluebeard's Castle, The Miraculous Mandarin and The Wooden Prince. This film accompanied the Philhamonia...
Olivier Messiaen 1908-1992: Esa-Pekka Salonen on Messiaen
Esa-Pekka Salonen discusses Messiaen in this film from 2008.
The Virtual Orchestra: Powerful Connections: Esa-Pekka Salonen on the Art of Conducting
Have you ever thought about conducting but been too intimidated to follow through on the idea? Watch this video for Esa-Pekka Salonen's tips on what it takes to become a great conductor...
Symphonize Kingston (2017)
Symphonize Kingston is a collaboration between Kingston Music Service and the Philharmonia Orchestra bringing together skilled urban and classical musicians to deliver intensive, skills-enhancing...
Vladimir Ashkenazy on the Path of Jean Sibelius
This spring Vladimir Ashkenazy travelled to Finland to follow in the footsteps of Jean Sibelius.
Join the conductor as he journeys to the heart of Sibelius’ music and...
Sibelius's Roots: An Interview with Pekka Kuusisto & Ilona Korhonen
Discover the roots of Sibelius’s music in this interview with violinist Pekka Kuusisto and singer Ilona Korhonen. In 1891, Finnish composer Jean Sibelius met Larin Paraske, a woman...
Shostakovich's Opera: ORANGO
An extended documentary about the recently-discovered opera by Shostakovich, 'Orango'. It features interviews with Esa-Pekka Salonen, who premiered the work, Gerard McBurney, who orchestrated...
Profile: Tugan Sokhiev, conductor
Conductor Tugan Sokhiev shares how he got his start in music and what challenges and inspires him.
Esa-Pekka Salonen on Beethoven (Philharmonia Orchestra, Japanese Subtitles)
In 2012 Esa-Pekka Salonen completed a Beethoven symphonic series with the Philharmonia Orchestra, culminating in a complete symphony cycle at the Beethovenfest in October 2012. In this...
Voices of Revolution: Russia 1917: Workers & The State with Martin Sixsmith
"Writers, artists and musicians faced big decisions...and as it turns out, not many choices guaranteed a happy ending"
Martin Sixsmith traces the precarious balancing...
Peter Sellars on Oedipus Rex & Symphony of Psalms | Tragedy | Stravinsky: Myths & Rituals
Oedipus tears out his own eyes, a terrifying and unforgettable moment. As director of the opera-oratorio Oedipus rex, Peter Sellars talks to us about the human heart of the story. In...
Esa-Pekka Salonen and Yefim Bronfman Meet Muzsikás
Esa-Pekka Salonen and pianist Yefim Bronfman meet Dániel Hamar and László Porteleki from Hungary's leading folk music ensemble, Muzsikás. Muzsikás perform traditional Hungarian...
Gustavo Dudamel conducts Mahler's 5th Symphony
Gustavo Dudamel works with three young conductors on Mahler's 5th Symphony with the Philharmonia Orchestra as part of the Allianz Conductors' Academy.
City of Dreams (Vienna 1900-1935): Berg's Wozzeck
Julian Johnson visits the Royal Festival Hall to find out more about the Philharmonia Orchestra's production of Berg's Wozzeck, which took place in 2009. Julian goes behind the scenes...
Jonathan Cross on Neo-Classicism and Myth | Stravinsky: Myths & Rituals
Stravinsky’s career is punctuated by the retelling of classical myths: Oedipus, Apollon musagète, Persephone, Orpheus, Agon. It was through these myths that Stravinsky found the...
The Firebird Project: Performance Film
A film of the original choreography created for the 2013/14 Firebird Project featuring dancers from The Royal Ballet School, Feltham Community College and Richmond Park Academy. The...
Recommended Films 
