Ferruccio Busoni's Piano Concerto to get a rare London hearing as part of 'Busoni - the Romantic Modernist' at St John's Smith Square

Ferruccio Busoni

There will be a rare chance to hear Ferruccio Busoni's mammoth Piano Concerto on 30 November 2019 at St John Smith Square when Karl Lutchmayer takes the solo part with the Seraphin Orchestra, conducted by Joy Lisney. The concert is in fact the culmination of Lutchmayer's three-day concert series at St John's, Busoni - The Romantic Modernist with other concerts including his 1911 Sonata Seconda, including the world premiere of the original ending, the British premiere of the Concerto for Piano and String Quartet, Busoni's concert version of Schoenberg’s Klaivierstück Op11 no.2; and the Violin Sonata No. 2 in E minor (with Emma Lisney).

The idea behind the concert series is to explore Busoni's music beyond his well known transcriptions of Bach's music. And the culmination will be the performance of the Piano Concerto, a huge work with five movements, including an off-stage chorus in the finale, and lasting 70 minutes. It is a work that has had only one performance in London in the last 30 years.

The concert will also be the London debut of the Seraphin Orchestra, which was founded by Joy and Emma Lisney to give experience to young musicians studying in Cambridge, augmented by guest artists, including former BBC Young Musician prize-winners and leading players from top UK and European professional orchestras, including the Halle, RPO and BBCSO, who offer mentorship to the young players.

Busoni - The Romantic Modernist is at St John's Smith Square from 28 to 30 November 2019, and features lunchtime recitals on Thursday and Friday, plus the Busoni Piano Concerto on Saturday evening.