Concerts
Our Spring Concert features two iconic works that we originally planned to perform for our Summer Concert in 2020. Jean Sibelius' tone poem Finlandia is a rousing and turbulent piece evoking the national struggle of the Finnish people. When it was first composed at the turn of the 20th century, the piece had to be performed under various alternative names to avoid Russian censorship, but now it is one of the most popular and recognisable works in the repertoire.
Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky's final completed symphony has become one of his most popular works, although there are numerous interpretations of its meaning. Whatever you make of the various theories, the symphony is undeniably compelling, combining sweeping tunes, grand orchestral gestures and emotional depth.
The concert also includes Johannes Brahms' Double Concerto for Violin and Cello, the last orchestral work that he composed. Despite a lukewarm initial reception, the expertly crafted interplay between the two solo instruments has long since earned the concerto a prominent place in the repertoire.
Advance tickets for this concert are available now via the link to the left, and remaining tickets will be available on the door on the night. Directions to St Cyprian's Church can be found on our Venues page.
Please note that we are unable to take card payments on the night - please buy your tickets online in advance, or bring cash!
- Levon ParikianConductor
- John CrawfordLeader
- Samuel StaplesViolin
- Ben TarltonCello
- Jean SibeliusFinlandia
- Johannes BrahmsDouble Concerto for Violin and Cello
- Pyotr Ilyich TchaikovskySymphony No. 6, 'Pathétique'
Our Summer Concert opens with a very special event - the World Premiere performance of a new work written especially for the orchestra by Claire Victoria Roberts. Originally intended to be part of our 40th anniversary concert in November 2020, we're delighted to be able to complete this project which has seen Claire join CSO as our Composer-in-Residence as part of Making Music's Adopt A Composer scheme.
The concert also features two much-loved pieces that we were originally due to perform in March 2020. We're delighted that Elizabeth Roberts, who has performed with us twice before, will finally be able to join us as soloist in Richard Strauss' Four Last Songs. Strauss' final work, this song cycle for soprano and orchestra was published posthumously and first performed 70 years ago, and has gone on to become one of his iconic works. Ralph Vaughan Williams' A London Symphony was first performed just before the First World War, and was an immediate success - although the composer went on to revise the score a number of times over several years. With the distinctive sound of Westminster chimes, the symphony captures the hustle and bustle of the city in musical form.
Find out more about the Adopt A Composer scheme.
Find out more about our soloist, Elizabeth Roberts.
Advance tickets for this concert are available now via the link to the left, and remaining tickets will be available on the door on the night. Directions to St Cyprian's Church can be found on our Venues page.
Please note that we are unable to take card payments on the night - please buy your tickets online in advance, or bring cash!
- Levon ParikianConductor
- John CrawfordLeader
- Elizabeth RobertsSoprano
- Claire Victoria RobertsWorld Premiere - Adopt A Composer Commission
- Richard StraussFour Last Songs
- Ralph Vaughan WilliamsA London Symphony
Programme and further details to be announced.
Tickets for this concert will be available from September 2022.
- Levon ParikianConductor
- John CrawfordLeader
