Preview – BBC Proms 2026: Poulenc and Adams

Programme

Poulenc Sinfonietta; Concerto in D minor for two pianos
John Adams Harmonium

Lucas and Arthur Jussen (pianos)
CBSO Chorus · Sydney Philharmonia Chorus
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Kazuki Yamada

Sunday 26 July 2026 · 7pm–c9.10pm
Royal Albert Hall

Listen on BBC Radio 3 / BBC Sounds

Preview

Poulenc’s jolly concerto for two pianos was last played at the BBC Proms by the Labeque Sisters on the First Night of the Proms in 2009. It’s remarkable to think that a work that relies so heavily on pastiche hasn’t featured more often. This year’s Prom from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra features another twin-set of pianists playing the work – Lucas and Arthur Jussen. Both possess an appetite for fierce virtuosity, have great hair and teeth, and an extended wardrobe of very fine shirts to boot.

John Adams Harmonium is scored for large orchestra and chorus. The minimalist composer leans heavily on short rhythmic and melodic patterns repeated over and over again, in a way that should drive one to sleep but actually doesn’t. Expect a sensory delight for the ears, extended tension building and sparkling climaxes.

Each movement of the three-movement Harmonium is based on a poem. “Negative Love” by John Donne defines love by what it isn’t rather than what it is — Donne arguing that loving something he can’t quite name or explain is purer than ordinary desire. Emily Dickinson’s two poems sit either side of life’s extremes: “Because I could not stop for Death” imagines death as a courteous, unhurried companion on a carriage ride to the grave, while “Wild Nights” is a short burst of erotic and spiritual longing, the speaker seeking safe harbour in the person she loves. The complete work runs to 30 minutes. A glorious soundbath.

Review

This review will be published following the concert.

Gallery

Photography will be added once available.