Next concert: Sunday 22nd March 2015, New Hall, Winchester College
Stravinsky: 1919 Concert Suite for Orchestra no. 2, "The Firebird"
1. Introduction—The Firebird and its dance—The Firebird's variation;
2. The Princesses Khorovod (Rondo, round dance);
3. Infernal dance of King Kashchei;
4. Berceuse (Lullaby);
5. Finale.
Passionately opposed to the socialist realism movements spearheaded by Tolstoy, the impresario Diaghilev led a counter-movement of artistic activity attracted principally towards Western art, with the fruits of intense activity resulting in the sensational seasons of his Ballets Russes. The young Stravinsky, having already broken away from the Rimsky-Korsakov mould and the recognisable influence of Brahms and Glazunov in his earlier works, was seen by Diaghilev to be perfectly ready to join this artistic group and break new ground with his proposed ballet, The Firebird. Stravinsky did not disappoint, the first performance turning him into an instant celebrity. From this triumph Stravinsky drew two further orchestral suites, the second of which will be presented in this concert by The Winchester Symphony Orchestra. Opening with a nocturnal picture of Kashkei’s enchanted garden, the Firebird dances with trill, flourish and tremolo around the captured princesses until finally casting the wicked King to sleep with her mesmerising lullaby, thus releasing the beautiful princesses from the monstrous spell to deliverance with dazzling brass fanfares.
Brahms: Symphony no. 1 in C minor, op. 68
I. Un poco sostenuto – Allegro
II. Andante sostenuto
III. Un poco allegretto e grazioso
IV. Adagio – Piu andante – Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
By contrast, Brahms tells no story and dances no ballet, never departs from the strict four movement structure, does not name his symphonies nor incorporate a sung text; considered to be more conservative than his predecessor Beethoven, yet his stern rigour in theme development is ever dependable and displays consummate mastery of his craft. He was over forty years old before he even embarked on symphonic writing and the Winchester Symphony Orchestra will open the concert with Brahms’ first foray into this ‘classical’ world. His vigorous and individual scoring marks him out as a composer who does not try to impress with novelty, yet who satisfies with melodic and rhythmic invention as challenging as it is deceptive.
7:30pm
New Hall, Winchester College
Tchaikovsky |
Romeo and Juliet Overture |
Tchaikovsky |
Rococo Variations |
Tchaikovsky |
Symphony no. 6 |
- Conductor:
- Nicholas Wilks
- Cello:
- Hannah Innes
You may buy tickets from our online box office at any time, or use our telephone box office: 0333 666 3366 which is available Monday to Friday 9am - 7pm and Saturday 9am - 5pm.
Please note there is an additional £1.50 charge for the telephone box office. We do not charge a fee for the online box office.
Sunday 20th March 2016
7:30pm
New Hall, Winchester College
Weber |
Der Freischütz: Overture |
Mozart |
Concerto for 2 Pianos & Orchestra no. 10 in E-flat major, K. 316a/365 |
Elgar |
Enigma Variations |
- Conductor:
- Nicholas Wilks
- Pianos:
- Samantha Carrasco and Dr. Nicholas Salwey
Our next concert will take place on Sunday 23rd November 2014.
“Stylish, attractive, great beauty of tone,” - these are just a sample of the many critiques praising our Autumn Concert soloist Robyn Allegra Parton. This talented soprano will present the nostalgic and delicate Samuel Barber work Knoxville: Summer of 1915 with the Winchester Symphony Orchestra directed by their conductor Nicholas Wilks. With reduced instrumentation this beautiful impressionist setting of passages by the poet James Agee transport us back to his childhood search for identity and reassurance among familiar faces.
Winchester Symphony Orchestra contrasts this with Mahler’s colossal Symphony no. 5, where augmented orchestral forces take us from a revolutionary opening Funeral March through to a sparkling and virtuosic Rondo Finale. No vocal influence here, however the famous Adagietto is said to be Mahler’s ‘love letter’ to his wife Alma, where he once wrote to her ‘How much I love you, my Sun. I cannot tell you with words. I can only lament to you my longing and love.’
Note: New Hall is closed for refurbishment. This concert will take place in Thornden Hall.
You may buy tickets from our online box office at any time, or use our telephone box office: 0333 666 3366 which is available Monday to Friday 9am - 7pm and Saturday 9am - 5pm.
Please note there is an additional £1.50 charge for the telephone box office. We do not charge a fee for the online box office.
Sunday 22nd March 2015, 7:30pm
New Hall, Winchester College
Igor Stravinsky | The Firebird Suite |
Johannes Brahms |
Symphony no. 1 |
- Conductor:
- Nicholas Wilks
Tickets will go on sale in 2015
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