These two concerts by the London Symphony Orchestra pay tribute to a particularly rich period in the history of music at the beginning of the 20th century. At the time, Claude Debussy was a forerunner in the search for new sounds. ‘This is not about the usual form of ‘nocturne’, but rather everything this word contains in terms of special impressions and lights,’ he said regarding his Nocturnes. The works performed during these concerts are intense and poetic with a profound spiritual force, each one reflecting a special musical universe. They have also become essential works of the 20th century.

Due to an eye condition, Pierre Boulez has had to withdraw from his concerts with the London Symphony Orchestra on 3 & 4 May 2012.  The LSO is deeply grateful to Peter Eötvös, a long-time associate of Pierre Boulez, for agreeing to step in to conduct the two programmes, which remain unchanged.