BMW and the London Symphony Orchestra announce a new long-term partnership, BMW LSO OPEN AIR CLASSICS, which will bring outstanding music performed in the open air – free for everyone in an informal atmosphere.

The first in a groundbreaking series of annual concerts was conducted in Trafalgar Square by Principal Conductor of the LSO, Valery Gergiev, on Saturday 12 May 2012. Large screens were mounted on either side of the stage to allow the audience to witness the concert close up.

The programme featured works by Igor Stravinsky including the highly popular Firebird Suite and The Rite of Spring. 70 young musicians from LSO Discovery, the Orchestra’s award-winning music education and community programme, played alongside the LSO players and performedThe Lite of Spring, an interpretation of Stravinsky’s work by Gareth Glyn. LSO animateur Paul Rissmann presented the concert and guided the audience through the repertoire.

Next concert

The next concert in the series will be on 11 August 2013, venue tbc

Saturday 12 May 2012 6.30pm
Trafalgar Square

A free concert with the London Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor Valery Gergiev in the heart of London.

Artists:
London Symphony Orchestra
Valery Gergiev conductor
Paul Rissmann presenter
and featuring 150 children from LSO Discovery

Programme:
Gareth Glyn (after Stravinsky): The Lite of Spring
Stravinsky: Fireworks; The Firebird (suite), The Rite of Spring

> Download a PDF copy of the programme

Reviews:

The Times, 14 May 2012
Tourists and natives, young and old, classical music devotees and casual bypassers: all stood or sat silent for two hours — except when the music stopped and a football-style roar erupted. I have been in grand halls where the audience seemed less gripped.
> Read full review

> Read a round up of audience reactions on Twitter and Facebook

Photos: 
> View a gallery of photos from the night (© Kevin Leighton)
> Guardian photo gallery

Videos:
We have put the videos that were played on the big screen on the night on YouTube:

> LSO Players on the Rite of Spring
> Rite of Spring "rhythm" video