The Westmorland Orchestra returns to the concert platform with a richly varied programme conducted by Melvin Tay, bringing together rarely heard repertoire, a new local work, and one of the great orchestral showpieces.
The concert opens with the Faust Overture by Emilie Mayer, a powerful and dramatic work by one of the most significant yet under-recognised composers of the nineteenth century. Mayers music combines romantic intensity with bold orchestral writing, making this an exciting introduction to the evening.
At the heart of the programme is a new bassoon concerto by local musician Fredrik Holm, who will also appear as soloist. The concerto showcases the bassoons expressive range, agility and character, while highlighting Holms distinctive musical voice. This performance offers audiences an opportunity to hear a new work created by a musician closely connected to the local area.
The concert concludes with Scheherazade by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, the beloved symphonic suite inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. With its sweeping melodies, dazzling orchestration and vivid storytelling, Scheherazade remains one of the most colourful and immersive works in the orchestral repertoire.
This concert promises an evening that blends discovery, local creativity and orchestral drama, performed by the Westmorland Orchestra under the direction of Melvin Tay.