The newly renamed, rebranded and reinvigorated Alderley Edge Symphony Orchestra gives its inaugural concert on Saturday 17th November.
In this concert, in the month of the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, the orchestra will pay tribute to those lost in both great wars. George Butterworth, killed in the battle of the Somme, set to music poems from A E Housman's The Shropshire Lad. The music nostalgically invokes "the home thoughts of the exiled lad."
Also in the concert is the music of Butterworth's friend and contemporary Vaughan Williams. His song cycle, "Songs of Travel", takes inspiration from a volume of poetry by Robert Louis Stevenson. The orchestra will be joined by bass/baritone Peter Edge, who recently graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music and is now studying for his Masters Degree at the Royal College of Music, London. Peter regularly sings with the BBC with repertoire covering oratorio, opera and chamber music.
The programme begins with Beethoven's Prometheus Overture and also includes Beethoven Symphony No 7. This symphony was premiered with Beethoven himself conducting at a charity concert in aid of those killed and injured in battle. He announced from the rostrum, "We are moved by nothing but pure patriotism and the joyful sacrifice of our powers for those who have sacrificed so much for us." Beethoven felt it was one of his best works and particular mention was made of his antics on the rostrum where apparently "as a sforzando occurred he tore his arms with a great vehemence asunder...at the entrance of a forte he jumped in the air!"
A challenge perhaps for Vienna-based conductor Orr Guy who returns to Alderley Edge to conduct this concert! Orr says, "Having conducted the final Alderley Edge Orchestra concert in May, I'm delighted to be invited back to conduct the inaugural concert of the Alderley Edge Symphony Orchestra concert in November. And what finer symphony than Beethoven's exciting Seventh – it will be a great evening!"
The concert will take place at 7.30pm on Saturday 17th November in the Methodist Church in Alderley Edge, SK9 7DU. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £1 for under eighteens. Tickets will be available on the door or can be bought in advance through the website or on the ticket hotline 01625 581321
For more information about the orchestra visit the website www.aeso.org.uk and please make a note of future concerts in your diary, particularly the Christmas extravaganza coming up on Sunday 16th December at 3.30pm.
If you are a string player looking to join a friendly and ambitious orchestra get in touch with us via the website or by phoning Roger Dowling on 01925 756390. You may be interested in the workshop Day on Saturday 9th February 2019.
Guest post by Helen Hall.
