* Musical director Jonathan Butcher is unfortunately indisposed, so recent Bursary holder James Thomas is conducting in his place. 

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Oaklands School Hall

The most famous piece for cello and orchestra has to be the Concerto by Edward Elgar.  Written in the aftermath of the first world war, it encapsulates a sense of the tragedy of war.  We are delighted to welcome Joseph Spooner as soloist for the concerto. 

The concert is completed by two more very famous works – music from the opera ‘The Bartered Bride’ by Smetana and Symphony No. 1 by Brahms.  Smetana’s comic opera is about village life and makes extensive use of lively Czech folk music.  Brahms was famously reluctant to commit himself to writing a symphony as he felt himself very much in the shadow of Beethoven but the result was definitely worth the wait!