With winter storms sweeping the land, Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra feels that we all need a bit of brightening up – with a programme of some of the liveliest and most listener-friendly music in the repertoire. Our first concert of the year kicks off with an ebullient orchestral showpiece, Glinka's brilliant Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila – an athletic challenge for the orchestra, pure enjoyment for the listener.
Two very contrasting ballet suites make up the rest of the programme. Coppelia is a standby for ballet companies all over the world, and Leo Delibes' music epitomises 19th century Parisian charm and melodic appeal. Prokofiev's music for Romeo and Juliet realises the story's passion and drama, with its stunning closing scene and its famous ballet of the knights – one of the world's most frequently borrowed, sampled and recycled pieces of music (most notoriously, perhaps, in The Apprentice). Here is a chance to hear it properly, and complete!
Robert Chasey conducts. The concert takes place on Saturday 13th February at 7.45 in Wilmslow Leisure Centre. Tickets cost £12 (Concession £10, Under 18s £2). Tickets may be obtained from the Ticket Secretary (01925 756 144), at Bang & Olufsen, Alderley Rd (01625 527666), at Therapy, Bank Sq (01625 400113), or at the door.
Photo: Conductor Bob Chasey.
Guest post by Dermot Gault.
