Julian Anderson’s role as composer in residence with the London Philharmonic Orchestra continues this spring with the world premiere of a major new orchestral work, The Discovery of Heaven. The work melds together some intriguingly disparate influences, as the composer describes:

‘It is a three movement work inspired by the novel of the same name by the Dutch writer Harry Mulisch. Other influences on the piece include the music of Japanese Gagaku (or Court Music) which dates from 9th century AD, and the music of Janacek.’

The piece is a co-mmission by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, who will give the premiere under Ryan Wigglesworth at the Royal Festival Hall on 24th March 2012.

As part of the LPOs March podcast, Julian Anderson
gave a short interview to introduce the musical and literary inspirations for his work. Click here to listen to the podcast.