Aurora Orchestra ventures through Berlioz’s vivid evocation of a journey across Italy, brought to life in a dramatisation by actor Charlotte Ritchie and violist Lawrence Power.
Commissioned by Paganini in the early 1830s and scored for solo viola and orchestra, Harold in Italy is a masterpiece in musical storytelling and an extraordinary showcase for Power’s artistry as one of the world’s greatest exponents of his instrument.
Aurora brings its distinctive Orchestral Theatre approach to the piece, incorporating elements of design and staging to further illuminate Berlioz’s score. Ghosts actor Charlotte Ritchie rejoins Aurora after their 2023 BBC Proms collaboration on Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, this time taking on the role of composer Hector Berlioz in the first half dramatisation.
In the second half, Aurora presents another evocation of the landscapes of Italy, with a world-first performance from memory of Mendelssohn’s vibrant Fourth Symphony under Principal Conductor Nicholas Collon.
This concert is kindly supported by the New Berlioz Edition Trust.
Digital Programme: In Italy
Find out more about the concert in the Southbank Centre’s Digital Programme.
£10 tickets available through Aurora Under-30s
29 or under? Join our free scheme for £10 tickets to In Italy.