Culture Digest
Beethoven Missa Solemnis
Written over four years and premiered in St Petersburg in 1824, Beethoven’s solemn mass is recognised by scholars as one of his greatest works that came at the height of his powers. However, it has never quite ascended to the canonical heights of his symphonies. Perhaps under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas it will achieve new significance.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
The most famous horticulture show in the world makes its annual appearance next week with over 500 exhibitors. Don’t miss Sarah Price’s ‘Mediterranean haven’ or Tom Massey’s ‘The Lemon Tree Trust Garden’. Go late on the Friday evening for live music and entertainment.
22-26 May, Royal Hospital Chelsea, London
NeoArctic by Hotel Pro Forma
Danish collective Hotel Pro Promo and the Latvian Radio Choir collaborate for this ‘eco-apocalyptic opera’ set in a new geological age, in which human kind presides over an ever-changing Planet Earth. Expect dance, opera, pop, and electronic sounds to floor your senses.
24-25 May, Southbank Centre, London
Holst The Planets
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra present Gustav Holst’s celestial masterpiece alongside Landscape by Andrzej Panufnik, a Polish asylum seeker who made his name as a composer here in Britain. John Whitener premieres American composer Jennifer Higdon’s new Tuba Concerto, and John Storgårds conducts.
25 May, Usher Hall, Edinburgh and 26 May, Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
The Writer
Entering its final week at the Almeida, The Writer has received a raft of high praise from critics. Blanche MacIntyre directs this story by Ella Hickson, which sees a young writer challenging power and patriarchy as she fearlessly pursues new creative heights. Romola Garai, Michael Gould, Lara Rossi and Samuel West star.
Until 26 May, Almeida Theatre, London
What To Do With A Million Years
This is the first solo exhibition from young London-born photographer June Calypso, and looks at an underground house in Nevada built by a multimillionaire cosmetics businessman in the 1960s, prompted by increasing tensions in the Cold War. Built to resemble life above ground as closely as possible, Calypso’s work captures the quest of one family for immortality.
Until 23 June, TJ Boulting, London
Der Rosenkavalier
The country house opera season is upon us, and where better to start than Richard Strauss’ great romantic comedy at Glyndebourne. Richard Jones directs this tale of sexual predation and infidelity. Robin Ticciati conducts a cast including Kate Lindsey and Brindley Sherratt.
20 May – 26 June, Glyndebourne, Lewes, East Sussex
The Return of the Past: Postmodernism in British Architecture
This exhibition looks at the radical trailblazers of the Postmodernism, including Terry Farrell, Piers Gough, Jeremy Dixon, and John Outram in a selection of drawings, models, replicas, and fragments of realised structures. Displayed in Soane’s rich treasure-trove, there are sure to be some surprising connections to be uncovered.
Until 27 August, Sir John Soane’s Museum, London
Teeth
This most under-appreciated subject finally gets it moment in the spotlight. Peruse 150 objects pertaining to the world of teeth and dentistry, including dentures and drills, toothpaste and grills.
Until 16 September, Wellcome Collection, London
On Chesil Beach
Saoirse Ronan and Billy Howle take the leads in this adaptation of Booker Prize-nominated novella, On Chesil Beach, made by the author himself, Ian McEwan. A newly-married couple arrive in Dorset on their honeymoon, but issues around intimacy rear their head with ruinous consequences.
In cinemas nationwide