A super-sized Royal Philharmonic Orchestra turns the dial up to 11 for a performance of Messiaen’s cosmic symphony, with animations from 1927 Studios.
Imagine an explosion of love on a cosmic scale. Mix in some 1940s Hollywood glamour, a pounding rhythmic workout and the sounds of a Javanese gamelan, and then wash it all in blissful impressionist colours.
Now add a huge orchestra, a world-class pianist and a vintage electronic instrument straight out of science fiction, and you’re still not even halfway to imagining Messiaen’s mind-boggling Turangalîla-Symphonie. Nearly 80 years after its premiere, it still sounds like nothing on Earth.
‘A love song, a hymn to joy, time, movement, rhythm, life and death’ was how Messiaen himself described this vast, vibrant psychedelic masterpiece, conducted tonight by Vasily Petrenko. This is indeed music that contains multitudes.
Inspired by the golden age of silent cinema, 1927 Studios – the visionary team behind the Komische Opera Berlin’s 2012 production of The Magic Flute (★★★★ The Guardian) – create an original film to play alongside the epic symphony.
Commissioned by the Southbank Centre and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Part of Multitudes 2026
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
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