A Concert of Original Symphonic Works by Carey Tan

At just 12 years old, British composerCarey Tan is writing large-scale symphonies that confront the biggest questions of our time war, human nature, and artificial intelligence.Every symphonic work in this concert has receivedinternational composition awards, and Carey completed university-level composition diplomas at theage of 11. His music has been performed in major European venues including the Berlin Philharmonie and theVienna Musikverein Golden Hall, and has been featured by media across the UK, China, Austria, Germany and Romania.This concert at the Royal College of Music offers a rare opportunity to experience a complete symphonic portrait of a young composer whose imagination, structural command, and intellectual depth are reshaping expectations of what contemporary orchestral music can be.Carey Tan appears on stage as both composer and performer, joining the orchestra on piano and marimba a rare and compelling artistic model that unites creation and performance in real time.The concert is performed by the London City Philharmonic, an orchestra known for its commitment to contemporary music and major premieres, under the direction of Olsi Qinami, Principal Conductor and Music Director.This is not simply a concert by a young composer. It is an invitation to witness a serious symphonic mind in the process of becoming to hear how orchestral music can respond, today, to the world we live in.For audiences interested in contemporary music, large-scale symphonic thinking, and the future direction of the orchestra, this is a concert not to be missed.PROGRAMME
Piano Concerto No. 1 The Explorers
Composed at age 11
With the composer as piano soloistI. Pacific Diver
II. Sahara Runner
III. Mars ExplorerA three-movement concerto depicting modern exploration from the depths of the Pacific Ocean, across the Sahara Desert, to imagined journeys toward Mars. The work reflects humanitys enduring drive to push beyond physical and intellectual limits.Symphony No. 2 The Cries of War
Composed at age 11
With the composer performing on marimbaI. Shadow of the Misery
II. The Reflection
III. The PactA powerful reflection on conflict, loss, and the longing for peace. Moving from devastation to remembrance and finally to hope, the work asks how humanity can preserve compassion amid destruction.Symphony No. 1 Four Seasons in Summer Fields
Composed at age 9
With the composer performing on marimbaI. Autumn Sonata
II. Winter Romance
III. Spring Minuet
IV. Summer RondoA lyrical symphony inspired by the changing seasons and the natural landscape of Careys early school years music rooted in observation, colour, and memory.Symphony No. 3 The Rise and Fall of AI Humanity
Composed at age 12
With the composer performing on marimbaI. Construction of AI Humanity
II. Dwelling in Reality
III. Nature and the Universe
IV. Collapse and Destruction
V. Ashes and EchoesA five-movement symphonic narrative exploring the birth of artificial intelligence, technological expansion, environmental imbalance, and civilisational collapse a musical meditation on progress, responsibility, and the future.The London City Philharmonic (LCP) presents symphonic and operatic repertoire and is committed to providing young musicians and soloists with meaningful professional performance opportunities through high-quality concert productions. During the 2024-2025 season, LCP undertook an extensive concert programme across China, appearing in major venues including Shanghai Symphony Hall, Shanghai Oriental Art Centre, Shanghai Poly Theatre, Yangzhou Concert Hall and other leading concert halls nationwide. In 2024, the orchestra presented a fully staged production of Puccinis Madama Butterfly at Smith Square Hall, London. Earlier, in 2019, LCP collaborated with the London Bel Canto Festival on a performance of Bellinis Beatrice di Tenda. Alongside the core classical repertoire, LCP actively champions contemporary music. The orchestra has given the UK premieres of Fredrik Grans Picture of Fields Without Fences and Branka Popovis Stardust for viola and string orchestra, both prize-winning works from the London Music Society Composers Competition. Further highlights include the UK premiere of Fatos Lumanis Piano Concerto and the world premiere of Alex McGerys Tereza on Petrin Hill for solo violin and string orchestra.Olsi Qinamiis Principal Conductor and Music Director of the London City Philharmonic, Conductor with the National Radio Television Orchestra of Albania, and Professor of Conducting at the University of Arts in Tirana.