King Charles drops in on LSO-lite
OrchestrasFrom Buckingham Palace:
The King, Patron of the London Symphony Orchestra, watched an hour-long performance of classical music, which was conducted by the LSO’s Chief Conductor, Sir Antonio Pappano.
The concert included performances of Rossini’s ‘The Barber of Seville’ overture, Paganini’s First movement from Violin Concerto No 1, and Puccini’s ‘Crisantemi’ for String Orchestra.
Following the performance, His Majesty met Dame Kathryn McDowell, Managing Director of the LSO, LSO chair Ms Sarah Quinn, Sir Antonio, violinist and 57th winner of the Premio Paganini competition, 23-year-old Simon Zhu…
King Charles well deserves to be mentioned on SD, unlike most of his regnal ancestors. He was a cellist and and is a devotee of classical music. He made a superb TV documentary about Parry, whose music he loves. This concert was not just a bundle of crossover snippets designed to placate His Majesty and I am sure that he enjoyed it rather than viewing his being there as just a tiresome duty.
King Charles has some eminent royal musical predecessors. Among then, Henry VIII was a composer and there is a recording of King Frederick IX of Denmark conducting the orchestra of the Royal Danish Theatre in music by Khulau, Lumbye and Schubert. King João IV of Portugal was a composer and wrote about music; Queen Victoria sang and Prince Albert composed. Among other royals, Archduke Rudolph and Prince Louis Ferdinand both composed.
And King Charles most likely listens to a concert, as opposed to watching it. This distinction evidently is not clear to the author of the palace’s announcement.
Eine Ganz Kleine Knight Music
That is so nice! People underestimate the King and his love of music, and the whole thing of being seen to be believed – as his mother famously said!
Please note that the soloist was playing the “Cannone”, Paganini’s own violin!