The London Philharmonic Orchestra with Principal Conductor Edward Gardner ⓒ Mark Allan

Another packed Royal Festival Hall. Classical music is certainly popular – and so it should be when the quality is this high. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2024-25 season continues at a pace. This particular evening, under the title Symphonic Dances, presented three composers and challenged the whole orchestra.

Guest conductor Juraj Valčuha led the orchestra with an easy grace from the start, beginning with Alexander Glazunov’s Concert Waltz No.1, Op.47 – this was joyous in its swaying effortlessness, a whimsical jaunt at times like dandelion seeds on a gentle summer breeze, proving music can be ‘fun’ as well as challenging.

Juraj Valčuha ⓒ LPO

Glazunov’s piece was written in 1893, the year of Tchaikovsky’s mysterious premature death. And it was to this composer that perhaps the highlight of the evening belonged. Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor, Op.23 (written in 1874) – perhaps made famous to most people by Victor Borge’s hilarious sketch – has been used in many films and television commercials, yet seldom appreciated in its entirety. Played here by the incredible Boris Giltburg, the piece had power and energy in abundance. The orchestra excelled in the Concerto and Giltburg was absolutely astounding on the piano. For me, the brass was a little harsh, but overall, it was Giltburg’s sensitive and awe-inspiring interpretation that dazzled. After much adoration and cheering, he acknowledged the audience and played a short piano solo – Rachmaninov’s stunning Prelude in C sharp minor, Op.3 No.2. The ultimate party piece!

Boris Giltburg ⓒ Chris Gloag

After the interval, the second half belonged to Rachmaninov – from 1940, his Symphonic Dances, Op.45. The three movements are quite different in feel: the first has a pompous, marching content; the second, a melancholy yearning; the third has the feel of a film soundtrack composition – Rachmaninov did score some music for films. Focus should also be given to Lead Violinist Pieter Schoeman, who had a moment in the first movement as though straight out of a film, akin to John Williams’ Schindler’s List where the violin flies above the orchestra achingly seeking some kind of loving resolution.

The whole evening was led by Valčuha and it was a delight from start to finish. The audience left the Hall buzzing and smiling from yet another glorious LPO presentation.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra has a vast range of events at various venues around the country. Check out their website for details – https://lpo.org.uk/whats-on/ .

Principal Conductor Edward Gardner

Artistic Director Elena Dubinets

Dates until Saturday 31st May 2025

Check with the LPO website for details

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A mere five-minute walk from London’s Waterloo Station, overlooking the river Thames, stands the Royal Festival Hall. This is where the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra deliver some of their magnificent concerts. Their latest in a packed programme of concerts enchanted us with Glazunov – Concert Waltz No. 1,Tchaikovsky’s – Piano Concerto No. 1 and Rachmaninoff – Symphonic Dances. Glazunov’s Concert Waltz, is not often performed, so was something of a treat.

The stage was packed with strings, so much so, that I doubt there was space left, for so much as a single triangle, but goodness wasn’t it worth it? The music, so beautiful, even I believed that I could waltz. Sweeping sensual music enveloped the audience and soon we were transported in a dreamlike state, the bows of the string section, swaying in unison like blades of corn, caught by the breeze. Blissful.

All too soon the music, reached a crescendo, and then there was a few minutes for the delighted audience to take stock of what we had just heard, whilst a large section of the strings left the stage, to be replaced by a grand piano, as we prepared to listen to what might be described as a stellar performance by a true virtuoso of Tchaikovsky’s – Piano Concerto No. 1

Boris Giltburg c Chris Gloag

Boris Giltburg is a genius by any measure, and we were privileged to watch him perform his magic at such close range. Swooping over the keys, nose at times hovering just above the keys, this was a rare opportunity to see him tease and coax the notes from his piano. The piece, instantly recognisable, but the playing transcending any familiarity. It was like hearing it for the first time. At times, Giltberg’s fingers were a blur as they flew over the keys, at other time slow deliberate movements, but always mesmerising.

The applause said it all, and we were rewarded with an all too short encore, all this and we were only just at the interval. I should confess that I was unaware of Symphonic Dances, but I was pleased to have my musical education broadened. The piece was composed towards the end of Rachmaninov’s life, his last major piece was written in 1940.

The first movement is a forceful stylised march with brief powerful explosive elements. The middle section is much slower than the first movement with a languorous melody moving from elegance to melodic warmth. Hauntingly gentle, what I would call soul nourishing music. How could I not have come across this piece earlier? The final movement has a slow sombre introduction building a degree of urgency as the music rises and falls, building anticipation with frenetic percussion, and I was not alone to be disappointed, when all too quickly it drew to a close.

Juraj Valcuha conducted with brio and animation, demonstrating taut control, like the ultimate puppet master, bringing out the very best of a fantastically talented orchestra.

If you are near London, I would heartily recommend that you check out the concerts below, and if you are not perhaps this is a good time to plan that trip.

An Alpine Symphony

Fri 21 Feb 2025, 7.30pm – Royal Festival Hall No composer tells a story quite like Richard Strauss – or paints a picture in more fabulous sounds. So when he set out to depict the majesty of the Bavarian Alps, the results are spectacular.

Repertoire

Tania León – Pasajes

Grieg – Piano Concerto

R Strauss – An Alpine Symphony

Pre-concert event: In this free performance, LPO Junior Artists perform alongside Orchestra members, Foyle Future Firsts and Junior Artist alumni in a celebration of vibrant young talent.

Rothko Chapel

Sat 22 Feb 2025, 6.30pm – St John’s Church, Waterloo. Time becomes space, sounds become colours and shapes, and the classical elegance of St John’s Waterloo floods with emotion that’s real enough to touch. It doesn’t take much: just the voices of the New London Chamber Choir and a handful of musicians who believe in every note.

Repertoire

Andrew Norman – The Companion Guide to Rome

Feldman – Rothko Chapel

Symphonie Fantastique

Wed 26 Feb 2025, 7.30pm – Royal Festival Hall. Love, witchcraft, severed heads – it’s all here, painted in psychedelic colours by a supersized orchestra. Superb violinist Augustin Hadelich sets the scene with Britten’s powerful Violin Concerto, also including the world premiere of Sphinx by David Sawer.

Repertoire

David Sawer – Sphinx (world premiere)

Britten- Violin Concerto

Berlioz – Symphonie fantastique

. https://lpo.org.uk/tickets-and-discounts/

Moving to a new place can be exciting, but packing for a long-distance move can feel overwhelming. Whether you are moving across the state or to a completely different part of the country, the process requires careful planning. From organizing your belongings to making sure everything arrives safely, there is a lot to think about. Without the right approach, packing can quickly become stressful, leading to last-minute rushing or misplaced items.

If you are moving from or to a busy city like Dallas, TX, the challenge can be even greater. The key to a smooth experience is learning how to pack effectively. Knowing what to prioritize and how to protect your belongings makes a big difference. In this blog, we will share practical tips to help you pack like a pro for a long-distance move.

Use High-Quality Packing Materials

Using the right packing materials can prevent damage to your belongings. For a long-distance move, sturdy boxes, packing tape, and cushioning materials like bubble wrap are essential. Thin or weak boxes can easily collapse under pressure, leading to broken items. If possible, invest in heavy-duty moving boxes designed for long trips.

For extra protection, wrap fragile items individually before placing them in boxes. Dishes, glassware, and electronics should be cushioned with packing paper or foam. Avoid leaving empty spaces in boxes, as this can cause items to shift during transport. When working with professional movers like Coleman long distance movers, having well-packed boxes makes loading and unloading much easier. Proper packing materials give you peace of mind knowing your items are secure.

Start Early and Make a Packing Plan

Waiting until the last minute to pack can lead to unnecessary stress. A long-distance move requires more organization than a local one. Give yourself at least a month to sort through your belongings and pack them properly. Creating a schedule will help you stay on track and prevent last-minute rushing. Start by packing items you use the least, such as seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, or books. This way, you will not be scrambling to find things you need daily.

A packing plan will also help you identify what needs special care. Fragile items, electronics, and important documents should be packed separately and labeled clearly. Taking inventory of your items ensures that nothing is left behind. By planning ahead, you can also estimate how many boxes and packing materials you will need. Being organized saves time and effort in the long run.

Declutter Before You Pack

Packing is the perfect opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need. Moving unnecessary items will only add to the cost and effort. Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away. Clothing you have not worn in years, broken electronics, and old furniture may not be worth moving to your new home.

Decluttering makes unpacking easier and helps you start fresh in your new space. Consider selling valuable items online or holding a garage sale. Donating to local charities is also a great way to give back while lightening your load. By reducing the number of items you move, you will save money on packing supplies and moving services.

Label Boxes Clearly and Keep an Inventory

Labeling your boxes properly will make unpacking much easier. Instead of writing just “bedroom” or “bathroom,” include a brief description of the contents. For example, “bedroom – perfumesand accessories” will help you find what you need without opening multiple boxes. Use bold markers or printed labels for better visibility.

Keeping an inventory list will also help you keep track of your belongings. You can write it down on paper or use a phone app to list the items in each box. This is especially helpful for long-distance moves where multiple people may be handling your boxes. If anything goes missing, your inventory list will help you identify what needs to be replaced.

Pack a Moving Day Essentials Bag

Moving long-distance means you may not have immediate access to all your belongings once you arrive. Pack a small bag with essentials such as toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, and important documents. This will prevent you from having to dig through boxes for necessary items on the first day in your new home.

You should also include phone chargers, snacks, and any paperwork related to the move. If you are traveling with children or pets, pack their essentials as well. Having these items within reach will make your first night in your new home much smoother.

Protect Fragile and Valuable Items

Long-distance moves involve a lot of handling, so fragile items need extra care. Wrap glassware, ceramics, and electronics in thick padding before packing them in boxes. It is best to use specialized boxes for delicate items, such as dish packs for plates and dividers for glassware.

For valuable items like jewelry, important documents, or family heirlooms, consider keeping them with you rather than packing them in the moving truck. If you must pack them, label the box as “fragile” and ensure it is well-padded. Taking these extra precautions will reduce the risk of damage during transit.

Optimize Space When Packing Boxes

Packing efficiently saves space and reduces the number of boxes needed. Instead of placing items randomly, pack strategically. Heavy items should go at the bottom of the box, while lighter items should be placed on top. This prevents breakage and keeps boxes balanced.

Use soft items like towels, blankets, or clothing to fill empty spaces and provide extra cushioning. Rolling clothes instead of folding them can also save space in your boxes. Avoid overfilling boxes, as this can make them too heavy to carry safely. By optimizing space, you will make the moving process more efficient.

In conclusion, packing for a long-distance move requires careful planning and organization. Starting early, using quality packing materials, and labeling your boxes properly can make the process less stressful. Decluttering before you pack helps lighten the load and makes unpacking easier in your new home. Keeping an essentials bag ensures you have important items within reach. Whether you are moving from Dallas or any other city, taking the right steps can make a difference. Packing efficiently and considering professional movers can save time and effort. By following these tips, you will be better prepared for a smooth and successful move.