An Unauthorised History Of Classical Music

PRESENTED BY THE ACO AND ABC CLASSIC.

Join favourite ABC Classic presenters Genevieve Lang and Russell Torrance on a tour through the remarkable, inspiring and often shocking history of classical music. Across four nights they’ll survey 1000 years of music, introducing you to the key ideas, uncovering some neglected figures, and answering those burning questions: when did it all start? What really is the big deal with Bach? Why did suffragettes write so much classical music? Whether you’re a lifelong classical music lover or looking for a way in, expect to be informed, entertained and surprised.

Vanessa Hughes is no longer able to participate in these talks. We are delighted to welcome ABC Classic presenter Genevieve Lang to join Russell Torrance.

PROGRAM

Monday 25 July, 6.30pm

The Gamechangers

In the first of their four-part series, ABC Classic presenters Genevieve Lang and Russell Torrance delve into the people, places and ideas that have shaped the history of music.

Monday 1 August, 6.30pm

How Music Works

In their second talk in collaboration with the ACO, Genevieve Lang and Russell Torrance ask and answer questions about the nuts and bolts of music. What does a conductor actually do? How does sound leave an instrument and enter our brains? Why does music make us feel like it does?

Monday 8 August, 6.30pm

War, Peace and the Wrong Side of History

In the third of this four-part collaboration between the ABC and the ACO, Genevieve Lang and Russell Torrance explore the connection between music, war, controversy, and hope. They’ll ask how wartime has influenced composers in the 21st century, and how history has judged certain composers and performers.

Monday 15 August, 6.30pm

Dirty Little Secrets

Things get awkward in the fourth and final talk from ABC Classic’s Genevieve Lang and Russell Torrance. Who are the composers who didn’t play by the rules? Who copied whose music, and why? And what’s the naughtiest piece of music written by the unlikeliest composer?