Westmorland Orchestra will perform a live concert for the first time in nearly two years.
After months of Zoom meetings and a summer of smaller groups playing together, full rehearsals are now underway for the orchestra’s performance on December 12.
“Our Christmas programme is filled with music I am confident will delight a wide audience,” said Georgina Perkins, chairwoman of the orchestra.
“Once again tickets will be free for young people and full-time students, so it is a wonderful opportunity to experience the music of a live orchestra.”
Cumbrian professional violinist Pamela Redman will be playing the Bruch Violin Concerto, so often featuring at the top of Classic FM’s Hall of Fame. The concert will also feature some classical festive favourites as well as music from Borodin, Bizet and Rossini.
The conductor from Westmorland Youth Orchestra, Fredrik Holm, will also be joining the orchestra this month, in his role as composer. During lockdown the orchestra were introduced over the internet to his composition
“Equilibrium,” commissioned in memory of former member Jonty Sommervell. Playing it together for the first time will ensure the work is fine-tuned before its premiere during the orchestra’s March concert. The Westmorland Orchestra is in its 77th season and draws amateur, semi-professional and professional players from across Cumbria and Lancashire.
The conductor and Musical Director is Richard Howarth, who has conducted and lead many of the country’s finest orchestras including the Manchester Camerata, the Hallé and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestras.
