[174.2] PERFECT HARMONY

The BBC Proms debut for Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic tonight features a sublime programme of twentieth century masterpieces, starting with Bartok's 'Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta', moving on to Gyorgy Ligeti's fabulous 'Violin Concerto' and Stravinsky's 'Rite of Spring'. Tasmin Little is the soloist. Expect the fireworks to fly. Rattle and his rollers staged the complete 'Rite' ballet with hundreds of schoolchildren recently - part of his consistent attempt to shake up one of the more staid European capitals of classical music with edgy and energetic performances.

Incidentally, this is Ligeti's 80th year, and the full London celebrations of his birthday take place on 18 and 19 October 2003 at the Barbican Centre. Visit the dedicated website, or, to receive information by email, write to greatperformers@barbican.org.uk, quoting 'Ligeti'.