A popular Cumbrian orchestra will premiere a new work in memory of one its members.
Westmorland Orchestra will be performing in Kendal later this month and will play Equilibrium, a new work by Fredrik Holm, in memory of Jonty Somervell, who was a member for 65 years.
He was well known around Kendal as a musician, hockey player and as a member of the local K Shoes family.
Westmorland Orchestra decided to use a legacy from Mr Somervell to commission Mr Holm, conductor of the Westmorland Youth Orchestra, to compose a new piece of music.
Equilibrium includes a movement with the focus on the viola, the instrument Mr Somervell played.
The concert will also feature Dvorak’s New World symphony and Berlioz’ Roman Carnival Overture and will be joined on stage by Ellena Newton for Rimsky Korsakov’s trombone concerto.
Rimsky-Korsakov’s trombone concerto provides an opportunity to hear Newton, the principal trombone player of the world famous Brighouse and Rastrick Band perform.
Georgina Perkins, chair of Westmorland Orchestra is looking forward to bringing live orchestral music to Kendal once again. She said: ”As well as the instantly recognisable theme from the Hovis bread advertisement, Dvorak’s New World symphony is a thrilling piece of music that will have concert goers humming tunes on their way out.
“I am confident that this music can be enjoyed by all and hope that the free tickets for younger people will encourage people to come to the concert whether or not they regularly listen to classical music.”
The Westmorland Orchestra is conducted by Richard Howarth and led by Pamela Redman. It draws its players from across Cumbria and North Lancashire.
The concert is at 7.30pm on Saturday March 26 at the Westmorland Hall, Kendal Leisure Centre. Tickets are £12 or free for under-19s and full time students.
