In 1907, two of the greatest symphonic composers, Gustav Mahler and Jean Sibelius met in Helsinki, where the former was guest conducting. There, they went on a walk together and discussed the future of the symphony.

Both men were lovers of nature and believed that the natural world would be a key reference point. After that, however, their views could not have been more starkly contrasting. Mahler thought the symphony should expand to “contain the world”, while Sibelius favoured rigorous logic and compression.

In tonight’s programme, London’s bold new orchestra of pre-professional musicians under the baton of its Artistic Director explores this great debate through two symphonies that highlight the composers’ contrasting philosophies.

Afterwards, the audience will be invited to vote on which approach most appeals to them.