Radio 3 in Concert: The Planets

To mark the 150th anniversary of Gustav Holst's birth, the BBC Philharmonic and chief conductor John Storgards celebrate in style with a performance of his thrilling suite The Planets. Fuelled by his vast imagination, his interest in astronomy, a fascination with Indian literature and music, and inspired by the wealth of colour available to him in a large orchestra, Holst created music with memorable tunes, relentless rhythm and varied atmospheres. To start proceedings, soloist Paul Lewis joins the orchestra for Beethoven's Third Piano Concerto, followed after the interval by a performance of Grace-Evangeline Mason's Ablaze the Moon. Recorded at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, on September 21 and presented by Mark Forrest. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No 3. 8.10 Music interval. Grace-Evangeline Mason: Ablaze the Moon. Holst: The Planets. Paul Lewis (piano), Halle Choir, BBC Philharmonic, John Storgards (conductor)