Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra's next concert takes place on St George's Day, and how better to mark the occasion than by a concert of English music.
The main work is Elgar's First Symphony, the composer at his peak, confident and flamboyant, but also romantic and expressive. It's prefaced by his Cockaigne Overture, a countryman's view of bustling Edwardian London. Elgar once said, regarding his Pomp and Circumstance Marches, that he had 'something of the soldier in me'.
As a change from 'Land of Hope and Glory' we are playing the Fifth of the Marches, a late work from 1930. But if you are in a 'Last Night of the Proms' mood, you can join in a novelty, a new arrangement of 'Rule, Britannia!' by clarinettist Geoff Thomason.
Contrasting nicely with Elgar's ebullience, Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Greensleeves in the distillation of the English Pastoral style, a perfect piece of countryside quiet.
Robert Chasey conducts. The concert takes place on Saturday 23rd April at 7.45pm 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 Road (01625 527666), at Therapy, Bank Square (01625 400113), or at the door.
Guest post by Dermot Gault.
Photo: Robert Chasey.
