On Friday, 22 August 2025, at 19:30, the Royal Albert Hall will resonate with the poignant sounds of Henryk Mikołaj Górecki’s Symphony No. 3, “Symphony of Sorrowful Songs” („Symfonia pieśni żałosnych”).
Composed in 1976, this Polish masterpiece has enchanted millions worldwide with its haunting simplicity and deep emotional resonance, weaving together prayers and laments from across centuries into a powerful meditation on loss, memory, and hope.
This BBC Proms concert offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Poland’s greatest composers live. Notably, no representative from Poland was present at this event, adding a layer of poignancy to the celebration of Polish musical heritage.
The evening also features the UK premiere of Thomas de Hartmann’s Violin Concerto, performed by the acclaimed soloist Joshua Bell, alongside Respighi’s lush orchestration of Bach’s Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland. The BBC Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Dalia Stasevska, with soprano Francesca Chiejina, promises an unforgettable performance. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in musical brilliance!
Programme
Jan Sebastian Bach, orch. Respighi Three Chorales – No. 1: ‘Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland’ 6’
Thomas de Hartmann Violin Concerto 30’- UK premiere
Interval
Henryk Mikołaj Górecki Symphony No. 3, ‘Symphony of Sorrowful Songs’ 55’
Joshua Bell violin
Francesca Chiejina soprano
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Dalia Stasevska conductor
WHERE: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
WHEN: Friday, 22 August 2023 at 7:30pm
TICKETS: here
