Carter / Woolrich

Oliver Knussen brings together two of the most compelling voices in modern music in an intriguing double portrait.

As one of Elliott Carter's most trusted interpreters Knussen has achieved considerable critical acclaim for his live and recorded performances with the London Sinfonietta. This evening we celebrate the composer's recent 100th birthday with four works, all produced in his remarkable burst of activity since his 90th; the visceral Asko Concerto (2000), Réflexions (composed in honour of the Pierre Boulez's 80th birthday) and Dialogues (2004) commissioned for today's performers.The miniature Au Quai was composed as a 50th birthday tribute for Knussen.

John Woolrich has described his first commission for the London Sinfonietta as a dark, hard-edged toccata, an ambitious piece exploiting the virtuosity of Knussen and the London Sinfonietta musicians. This commission has been supported by the London Sinfonietta Commissioning Circle.

This programme is changed from that originally advertised, due to the indisposition of Rosemary Hardy. The London Sinfonietta are very grateful to Nicolas Hodges for appearing at short notice.