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Apr 24, 2026
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RPO and 1927 Studios Bring Messiaen’s Turangalîla to Life with Vibrant Animation

AI Summary
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vasily Petrenko and partnered with 1927 Studios, staged a dazzling multimedia version of Messiaen’s Turangalîla‑symphonie at the Southbank Centre. The performance blended the 80‑minute score with a hyper‑active silent‑film homage, earning high praise for its seamless visual‑musical sync.

Lead: A Jubilant Re‑imagining of Messiaen’s Masterpiece

The Guardian’s review celebrates a daring collaboration between the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and 1927 Studios, where conductor Vasily Petrenko guided the ensemble through Olivier Messiaen’s sprawling Turangalîla‑symphonie while a witty, silent‑film‑style animation projected above the stage kept audiences enthralled.

A Bold Fusion of Turangalîla and Silent‑Era Animation

The 100‑musician ensemble tackled the score’s “hectic and emotionally overwhelming” demands, with solo piano virtuoso Steven Osborne and ondes Martenot specialist Cécile Lartigau delivering standout moments. The animated film, a playful homage to the golden age of silent cinema, was woven into the musical narrative, matching the score’s “expressive heartbeat” from the first movement onward.

  • Composer: Olivier Messiaen
  • Work: Turangalîla‑symphonie (≈80 minutes)
  • Conductor: Vasily Petrenko
  • Soloists: Steven Osborne (piano), Cécile Lartigau (ondes Martenot)
  • Orchestra: ~100 musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Visual partner: 1927 Studios
  • Venue: Southbank Centre, London (Multitudes festival, runs until 30 April)

Scale and Scope of the Production

The concert combined several logistical layers: a full symphonic force, a live‑film projection system, and intricate coordination between conductor and filmmakers. The result was an “unusually clear‑eyed” rendition that preserved Messiaen’s vivid colours while delivering “elastic tempi” and “orgasmic peaks” without smudging the composer’s palette.

Why This Matters for Classical Concert Innovation

By marrying a demanding 20th‑century score with a light‑hearted visual narrative, the event demonstrated how classical programming can attract broader audiences without diluting artistic integrity. The seamless sync between musical edifice and dramatic action suggests a viable model for future festivals seeking to rejuvenate repertoire through multimedia storytelling.

Future Outlook: More Multimedia Classics on the Horizon?

Given the critical acclaim and audience buzz, it is likely that other orchestras will explore similar collaborations, potentially integrating virtual‑reality elements or streaming the visual component for remote viewers. As festivals like Multitudes continue to experiment, the line between concert hall and cinema may increasingly blur, offering fresh entry points for younger listeners.