Beethoven Unwrapped: Pastoral

London Incidental Orchestra returns to St Gabriel’s Church, Pimlico, with Beethoven Unwrapped: Pastoral, a relaxed and welcoming orchestral concert designed for classical enthusiasts and complete newcomers alike.The evening begins by exploring the themes, structure and stories behind Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”.

Conductor Alexander Conway will guide the audience through the music, demonstrating key moments and revealing how Beethoven evokes birdsong, rushing streams, countryside celebration and a dramatic thunderstorm.After the introduction, LIO’s 40-piece orchestra will perform the symphony in full.

The programme also includes Beethoven’s Egmont Overture.The concert is part of LIO’s Unwrapped series, which combines full orchestral performances with storytelling, humour, context and audience interaction.

The atmosphere is informal, with no dress code and no prior classical knowledge needed.There will also be an audience-conductor raffle in support of Mind UK, giving one audience member the chance to conduct the orchestra on the night.A bar will be available before the concert, during the interval and after the performance.All profits go to Mind UK, working to make sure nobody has to face a mental health problem alone.ProgrammeBeethoven: Egmont Overture, Op. 84Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68, “Pastoral”