On Tour in Paris

The evening

The master of minimalism at 90: Susanna Mälkki leads the celebration of Steve Reich with five of his most iconic, influential works.

There are few composers who deserve the moniker ‘living legend’ – Steve Reich is one of them. The great US minimalist turns 90 in October this year, celebrated here by the LSO with five of his most impactful works. The pulsating Music for a Large Ensemble and layered complexities of the Variations for Winds, Strings and Keyboards contrast with the rhythmic immediacy of Music for Pieces of Wood. And in Three Movements and Music for Ensemble & Orchestra, Reich projects his trademark hypnotic style onto a grand, cinematic canvas.

Reich’s music requires performers of innate rhythmic instincts – conductor Susanna Mälkki and the LSO are equally renowned for their bracingly dynamic interpretations. A fitting salute to a contemporary giant.