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"An ensemble of real distinction that plays with passion and enthusiasm"
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Our 86th season starts with a programme of three well-loved orchestral pieces; firstly 'Capriccio Espagnole' based on Spanish melodies, about which the composer himself wrote, "The Capriccio is a brilliant composition for the orchestra", a claim, which is proven by its enduring popularity. Scored for string orchestra, 'Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis' was one of the first major successes for Ralph Vaughan Williams, and now fifty years since his death is arguably his most famous composition. Rachmaninov's 2nd Symphony finishes our November concert with all the characteristic depth of emotion created by the Russian composer scoring for full orchestra.
Roland Melia leads the orchestra into a musical celebration of love on St Valentines Day. Featuring Katerina Mina and James Edwards as our soprano and tenor soloists, the concert programme consists of the most passionate music from opera, films and musicals and is set to be the season's most romantic night of music.
The orchestra joins with the Leicester Philharmonic Choir in the second half of our final concert of the season to perform one of Beethoven's greatest masterpieces, his choral Symphony No.9. This grand work, considered an icon and the forefather of Romantic music, features four soloists and choir, and the famous 'Ode to Joy' theme in the final movement. In the first half of the concert the Leicester Philharmonic Choir combine with the orchestra to perform the well-known hymn in 'Finlandia', and the orchestra remembers its Polish links from the 2008 tour, with the symphonic overture 'Bajka' or fairytale by Polish composer Stanislaw Moniuszko.
The Leicester Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1922 by Sir Malcolm Sargent, then a local parish organist and chorus master. The orchestra continues the Sargent tradition of recruiting talented local players and bringing to Leicester soloists of international calibre and fame, to give the people of Leicester symphonic music of the highest possible standard. Each year it performs three concerts at its regular venue, the De Montfort Hall in Leicester, and is available for others. The LSO is conducted by Pavel Kotla, a musician with a truly international reputation, who exudes enthusiasm and is sure to be loved by orchestra and audience alike.
The LSO is a registered charity and relies solely on income from ticket sales, members' subscriptions, Friends of the LSO, Patrons, and sponsorship from Sheehan's Music Services, Cooper-Parry Chartered Accountants, Fine Recordings and Churchgate Music, to ensure that the long and fine tradition of music making established by Sir Malcolm Sargent continues. It receives no public funding apart from occasional grants for special projects. You can assist us this season by coming to our concerts in the De Montfort Hall, and by becoming a subscriber, Friend or Patron.
Last updated October 4th 2008
