Enigma Variations
Southbank Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hall, SE1 8XX , [Venue Details]The electrifying Dinis Sousa conducts the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in the dazzling, mystery-shrouded work that made Elgar an international name.
Repertoire
Elgar: Overture, In the South (Alassio); Sea Pictures
Interval
Elgar: Enigma Variations
One evening in 1898, Elgar improvised variations upon a whimsical theme to his wife, Alice, inspired by characteristics of his friends. It ‘commenced in a spirit of humour and continued in deep seriousness’.
It is believed that Elgar hid another melody within his theme – the ‘dark saying’ that ‘must be left unguessed’ – but despite many theories being put forward the secret has never been cracked.
The Enigma Variations was a roaring success with the British public. And its popularity didn’t stop at home: it was to be the work that propelled Elgar to a global fame no English composer had achieved in over 200 years.
Sea Pictures was composed the summer after the premiere of the Enigma Variations. Imbued with the Victorian affection for the English seaside, it also evokes distant shores. It is sung this evening by Frances Gregory, one of the OAE’s current Rising Stars of the Enlightenment.
With In the South we depart British waters for a thrilling conjuring of the Italian resort of Alassio, where the Elgars spent holidays.
More Information
Admission: £18.50
Performer name: Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Other key names: Dinis Sousa - conductor, Frances Gregory - mezzo-soprano
Age restriction: For ages 7+
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Enigma Variations
Wednesday, 4 Jun 2025 @7.00pm
Southbank Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hall, SE1 8XXMore Information
The electrifying Dinis Sousa conducts the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in the dazzling, mystery-shrouded work that made Elgar an international name.
Repertoire
Elgar: Overture, In the South (Alassio); Sea Pictures
Interval
Elgar: Enigma Variations
One evening in 1898, Elgar improvised variations upon a whimsical theme to his wife, Alice, inspired by characteristics of his friends. It ‘commenced in a spirit of humour and continued in deep seriousness’.
It is believed that Elgar hid another melody within his theme – the ‘dark saying’ that ‘must be left unguessed’ – but despite many theories being put forward the secret has never been cracked.
The Enigma Variations was a roaring success with the British public. And its popularity didn’t stop at home: it was to be the work that propelled Elgar to a global fame no English composer had achieved in over 200 years.
Sea Pictures was composed the summer after the premiere of the Enigma Variations. Imbued with the Victorian affection for the English seaside, it also evokes distant shores. It is sung this evening by Frances Gregory, one of the OAE’s current Rising Stars of the Enlightenment.
With In the South we depart British waters for a thrilling conjuring of the Italian resort of Alassio, where the Elgars spent holidays.
Admission: £18.50
Performer name: Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Other key names: Dinis Sousa - conductor, Frances Gregory - mezzo-soprano
Age restriction: For ages 7+
Halibuts is the only place to find ALL London's live music.
Free for all to use, we track ~1,000 London venues and list every type of live music.
Click here to start using Halibuts.
Or download the Halibuts APP:
IOS
ANDROID