BBC Symphony Orchestra

I was thrilled to be invited to shoot the BBC Symphony Orchestra in October this year, at the Barbican and it was truly a joy to be surrounded by the talent of the orchestra and to see the conductor Ryan Wigglesworth work his magic.

During the shoot I explored parts of the auditorium the audience don’t see, like the secret window up-stage that allowed me to photograph the conductor.  Thankfully, the window is designed to be well camouflaged so my presence didn’t detract from the performance.

The Barbican Symphony Orchestra
Ryan Wigglesworth conductor

The Barbican Symphony Orchestra
Erik Bosgraaf recorder

The Barbican Symphony Orchestra
Stravinsky The Rite of Spring 33’
Ryan Wigglesworth conductor
Erik Bosgraaf recorder

The Barbican Symphony Orchestra
Stefan Niculescu – Ison II (orchestra only) 18’
Ryan Wigglesworth conductor

The concert included a UK premiere of Ison II from Stefan Niculescu and featured a solo performance from Erik Bosgraaf playing the recorder.

What I love about live performance, is that every moment is unique and it’s my job to capture something of the ‘atmosphere and experience’ as its happening. On this occasion, I reviewed and edited the shots I’d taken in the first half of the concert, during the short interval, which helped me to decide what to focus on in the second half.  Working under pressure and making quick decisions was a challenge, but one I thoroughly enjoyed.

Photographing The BBC Symphony Orchestra, was a commission for Radio 3 Sounds and was a fantastic experience. I look forward to my next project with them, which can’t come to soon!