We herald the start of spring as Barbara Hannigan and the London Symphony Orchestra perform blissful visions of heaven from Mahler and Messiaen at Bath Forum.
Olivier Messiaen sends up a prayer, and the skies themselves seem to ring with majestic, multicoloured sounds. Incorporating complex rhythms, harmony and melodies, Messiaen (1908-1992) is known for his unique composition style. His spiritually uplifting L’Ascension, which depicts the ascension of Christ into Heaven after the Resurrection, is no exception. It was originally composed for orchestra in 1932-33 with Messiaen describing its four brief movements as “meditations for orchestra.”
For his 4th Symphony, Mahler gets inside the mind of a child, with a wild ride through blue skies, jangling sleigh bells and sudden, rapturous visions. A work exploring themes of childhood, innocence and spirituality, Mahler chooses to end his symphony with a song for solo voice and orchestra; a poem presenting a child’s vision of heaven, sung at this concert by the wonderful Aphrodite Patoulidou.
As a conductor Barbara Hannigan drives straight to the places that other musicians wouldn’t dare. She’s been called ‘an artist who shoots straight for the heart and never misses’, and here the LSO’s Artistic Associate conducts a concert charged with wonder.
Presented by Bristol Beacon at Bath Forum
Barbara Hannigan Conductor
Aphrodite Patoulidou Soprano
London Symphony Orchestra
Unfortunately, due to illness, Barbara Hannigan will not sing the solo soprano part in the last movement of Mahler’s Symphony No. 4. Barbara will conduct the concert as planned, however the soprano solo will be sung instead by Aphrodite Patoulidou.
Programme
Olivier Messiaen L’Ascension
Gustav Mahler Symphony No 4
Extended programme notes are available which complement the printed programme available on the night.
This is a seated event
“Spring won’t let me stay indoors any longer. I must get out, and breathe deeply again.”
Gustav Mahler
Ticket Offers
£10.00 tickets for Under 26s
There is a limited number of tickets available at £10.00 incl booking fee for Under 26s.
How to book
- Login or create an account
- Select your seats from the seating plan
- Select the Under 26 ticket option from the dropdown menu (please note, you may need to hover over the dropdown menu with your mouse to see this option)
- Proceed to checkout and your tickets will be discounted to £10.00
Please note that this offer is subject to availability and the discount will only apply when you are logged into your account.
Programme
18:00 Doors open
19:00 Performance starts
Olivier Messiaen L’Ascension
Interval
Gustav Mahler Symphony No 4
The estimated end time for the concert will be added closer to the performance date
The venue
Bath Forum
Getting to the venue
Location: Bath Forum is located 270m from Bath Spa train station.
Address: 1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath, BA1 1UG
Car parking
On street parking is available directly opposite Bath Forum on Somerset street. The nearest car park, Southgate complex multi-storey, is 45m away from the venue.
Bus
Bath Bus Station is 200m from the venue with regular services to and from Bristol. (X39, 332, 319)
Access
Mobility
Bath Forum is a wheelchair accessible venue and specific seats are available to pre-book for wheelchair users.
There is mobility parking for blue badge holders on the road opposite The Forum and in Avon Street and Southgate car park.
If you are a wheelchair user, please book tickets by calling our box office on 0117 203 4040 or email boxoffice@bristolbeacon.org
Toilets
Accessible toilets are located in the Lower Foyer area.
Baby changing facilities are also available.
Assistant Dogs
Registered assistance dogs and emotional support animals are allowed in the venue.
Hearing Facility
Hearing loop facilities are available.
Please contact the Bath Forum box office to discuss your requirements and find out more about making access bookings as easy as possible.
Join our access register to help us, help you to have an enjoyable visit.
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