[144.2] LYNE & BENJAMIN (AND STRAVINSKY & BACH)

The Wigmore Hall Farwell Gala for former artsistic director William Lyne (BBC Radio 3, 19:00 – 23:00, Monday 12 May; introduced by Petroc Trelawny). The four-hour bonanza contains “a galaxy of stars”. Expect 18th and 19th century fare and the odd bit of wry jollity rather than anything too demanding, but it will make for an un-winding evening’s listening. [See NFE 142.1]

Contemporary British compose George Benjamin conducts performances of his own ‘Viola, Viola’ and ‘Three Inventions’ with the London Symphony Orchestra on BBC Radio 3, 19:30 – 21:30; Thursday 15 May) -- given live last week at the Barbican Centre as part of the extensive ‘By George!’ season. In a multiple bargain, you also get Colin Davis taking the LSO through Stravinsky’s ‘Firebird’ (the complete ballet) and Bach’s Brandenberg Concert No 6. A gloriously chromatic, colourful combination. [See NFE 76.1, 2/11/2003 6:23:47 PM]

Note also the LSO live recordings label.