After the success of their last concert, featuring Dvorak’s New World Symphony and a world premiere, the Westmorland Orchestra is gaining in confidence and ambition.
Their next concert, on Saturday May 21 at 7.30pm at the Westmorland Hall, Kendal Leisure Centre, features Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis, composed in 1943.
Jo Gascoigne, a member of the cello section, said: “The orchestra was initially quite intimidated by a piece which is both modern and hard, but we have actually found it a joy. It is very tuneful and happy, and having put in some hard work on the notes, we are confident that it will be a smash hit with the audience. I can’t stop singing the tunes!”
Alongside this new challenge, the orchestra are happy to be presenting some famous classics.
They will be joined by local up-and-coming young clarinettist Jack Horrocks for Mozart’s famous clarinet concerto, with tunes known to many from favourite films such as Out of Africa and the King’s Speech.
Jack was brought up in the Lake District, and was principle clarinettist of the Westmorland Youth Orchestra and Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. In 2019 he graduated from the Royal College of Music, and he has performed with various eminent conductors and orchestras, at the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and elsewhere.
Jack said: “It is a privilege to return to Cumbria to perform this wonderful concerto. I’ve been well acquainted with this work from a young age, and to perform it in front of my family and friends, as well as a wonderful Lakes audience, is a truly exciting prospect. I’m looking forward to working with Richard Howarth and the orchestra to bring this masterpiece to life.”
The programme is rounded off by Brahms 2nd symphony, which has a cheerful, pastoral mood, and is full of stunning tunes.
Georgina Perkins, chair of Westmorland Orchestra (and violinist) said: “I am confident that this music will be enjoyed by all. I hope that the free tickets for younger people will encourage people to come to the concert who might not regularly listen to classical music, while long-term music lovers have the opportunity to hear something fresh, alongside some classics.”
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, Saturday May 21 at the Westmorland Hall, Kendal Leisure Centre.
Tickets are £12 or free for under-19s and full-time students and are available from www.TicketSource.co.uk/wes, by phoning 01539 896299 or on the door.
For more information, visit www.WestmorlandOrchestra.org.uk
