Returning to Aurora’s thrilling appearance at the BBC Proms in 2015, we present works by two of most exciting voices in contemporary orchestral music. Brett Dean’s Pastoral Symphony is a homage to nature which the composer explains is inspired by ‘glorious birdsong, the threat that it faces, the loss, and the soulless noise that we’re left with when they’re all gone’. It is performed here alongside Smatter Hauler, a specially-commissioned work by Anna Meredith, with Aurora musicians playing alongside young players from the BBC Proms Youth Ensemble.

“Bright-toned and rhythmically punchy, Smatter Hauler seized the attention and held it.” ★★★★ The Guardian

Filmed live at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 2 August 2015.
Free to watch on Aurora’s YouTube channel.
Footage courtesy of BBC Proms.