Nature has always been a source of inspiration for composers, and in this Prom two great pastoral symphonies meet from across the ages. The Australian composer Brett Dean explores the destructive relationship we have with nature in his Pastoral Symphony from 2000. Sir Mark Elder explains how this complex score works - he describes Dean as 'one of the most important composers of his time.'

It was written as a companion piece to Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony from 200 years earlier, a work which the Aurora Orchestra and conductor Nicholas Collon perform from memory. The programme also includes another new work - the world premiere of Anna Meredith's Smatter Hauler, commissioned especially by the BBC for this concert.

Presented from the Royal Albert Hall by Katie Derham. Show less