Come and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of piano music, and perform if you like! Let's Play The Piano have been meeting monthly since 2015. Now in nine UK cities, our sessions are a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow music lovers, whether you play the piano or not. There's always an interesting mix of music at each session and playing is optional. We play some of the best grand pianos available, such as the Steinway Model D, Bechstein Model C, Yamaha GFX and Schimmel 208. The venues are carefully chosen and always of the highest quality. Adult players of all levels and musical styles are welcome to perform. Maybe you're thinking of learning the piano and would like to find out more! The group is friendly and appeals to all ages and backgrounds. It's a lot of fun and a great way to make new friends. If you would like to perform, just let us know when you arrive on the day or message the organiser in advance and we'll be sure to fit you in the programme. People can also attend as audience, there's no requirement to be a pianist.

Antonn DvokCello Concerto Benjamin BrittenSinfonia da requiem Andrzej PanufnikSinfonia Sacra City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Robert Hodge Cello: Dan Brandon Supported Charity: The Sick Children's Trust Dvorak had composed his New World Symphony shortly before embarking upon the Cello Concerto in B minor, but no hints of America remain. From the opening Slavic chant to the Czech folk themes of the Rondo, Dvorak is firmly back on home soil. The work was warmly endorsed by Brahms, who said Why on earth didnt I know that one could write a cello concerto like this? Had I known, I would have written one long ago. Benjamin Brittens Sinfonia da Requiem was composed in 1940 when the composer was just 26. Although the three movements take their titles from the Latin mass, it is a purely orchestral work written in his early, largely tonal style. The world premiere took place in New York in 1941, with the New York Philharmonic conducted by John Barbirolli, and the works success in America led to Brittens commission to compose the opera Peter Grimes. The Sinfonia Sacra is a symphonic work by Polish composer Andrzej Panufnik, written in 1963 to mark Polands millennium of Christianity and Statehood in 1966. The two sections, Three Visions and Hymn are both based on the Bogurodzica, a plainchant which is the earliest known hymn in Polish. Written in an accessible and popular style, the work received early worldwide critical acclaim and has since attracted the attention of many respected conductors.

Jean Sibelius Karelia Suite Dorothy Howell Piano Concerto William Walton Symphony No. 1 City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Robert Hodge Piano: Juanjo Blzquez Supported Charity: School Readers Sibeliuss Karelia Suite comprises movements extracted from a theatrical event of 1893, in which a set of eight tableaux told the story of Finlands past, from its mythic origins in the age of runic song to the union of Karelia with Finland in 1811. One of his most loved compositions, the Suite contains two catchy, tuneful marches on either side of a graceful Ballade in minuet time. A talented pianist and composer from an early age, Dorothy Howell was hailed as the English Strauss after her symphonic poem Lamia was performed at the Proms in 1919, conducted by Henry Wood. Wood also conducted performances of her piano concerto, with Howell herself as soloist, in 1923 and 1927. The concerto comprises a single movement, with three sections, in a late romantic style influenced by Tchaikovsky and Grieg. It has been suggested that William Walton composed his Symphony no.1 as an emotional reaction to the ending of a torrid love affair; so much so that Tom Service of The Guardian described it thus: This symphony is a volcanic eruption of dark, sensual passion which speaks with unmediated power from the very first bar. The first movement is one of the most unrelentingly intense experiences and most remarkable structures in twentieth century music. You have been warned.

Refuge Rouzbeh Parsa Concerto for Kamancheh and Orchestra Bla Bartk Concerto for Orchestra Jonathan Dove Odyssey Performed by: Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra Cambridge Philharmonic Chorus Harry Sever Conductor Lucy Hollins Conductor Rouzbeh Parsa Kamancheh Francesca Chiejina Soprano John Gyeantey Tenor A trio of works exploring the theme of sanctuary in this special concert to celebrate Cambridges refugee community, featuring the world premiere of a new Concerto for Kamancheh and Orchestra by Iranian composer and virtuoso Rouzbeh Parsa. This new work has been commissioned thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, with orchestral arrangement supported by Harry Sever our Music Director. Rouzbeh writes: The Kamancheh is one of the oldest traditional instruments in Iranian music, and Ive always wanted to write a concerto for Kamancheh and orchestra. I'm excited about blending Iranian music with other traditions. I listen to composers like Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Arvo Prt - I feel such a connection to them and their folk roots. I loved working with the Cambridge Philharmonic last year. It opened a new imagination in my mind, it was very inspiring for me. I felt so welcomed, and everyone was so supportive. I can't wait to work with them again on this project.' Jonathan Doves powerful cantata Odyssey celebrates the extraordinary bravery and resilience of refugees fleeing from persecution and suffering. While the Concerto for Orchestra by Bla Bartk, himself a refugee, is a joyful, energetic and always brilliant work. Tickets: 15, 20, 25, 30. Student concessions available. NOTE that balcony tickets will not be on sale for this concert. Please note that tickets are purchased on a non-refundable basis. This concert is proudly raising funds for the Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign [https://www.cambridgerefugees.org/index.html]. Cambridge has always been ready and willing to welcome refugees in times of crisis, and there have rarely been more people fleeing persecution and war. Offering sanctuary is a proud Cambridge tradition. Were good at it, we always have been. The Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign (CRRC) is a group of volunteers, initially set up by Citizens UK, that works with other organisations in Cambridge to welcome refugees and those seeking asylum. They aim to build positive public opinion about refugees, and to enable the people of Cambridgeshire to volunteer to help those newly arrived in the area. CRRC works with local authorities, landlords, refugees, asylum-seekers, and other local groups and service providers to support their beneficiaries. You can find out more about the charity and its work HERE [https://www.cambridgerefugees.org/index.html] You can also make a direct donation HERE. [https://www.cambridgerefugees.org/donate.html] Alternatively there's an option to make a donation to the charity when you purchase your concert ticket or at our bucket collection after the performance. Thank you for your support.

Beethoven - Sonata quasi una fantasia in E-flat, Op. 27 No. 1 Corigliano - Fantasia on an ostinato (1985) Beethoven - Sonata quasi una fantasia in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 ‘Moonlight Sonata’ INTERVAL Schumann - Arabesque in C, Op. 18 Schumann - Fantasie in C, Op. 17

Georgie Carroll is back with her brand-new show, Infectious. An undeniable live comedy powerhouse and a natural storyteller, she’s razor sharp and riotous. Nurse turned comedian, Georgie Carroll is not only brilliantly funny, she is unstoppable on the comedy circuit having performed her smash hit award winning show Sista Flo 2.0 for three solid years of sold out seasons. Don’t miss her brand-new show!

The East Anglia Chamber Orchestra is delighted to return to the West Road Concert Hall in Cambridge with another attractive programme that illustrates the influence and interdependence of musicians and composers. Under the skilful baton of Dominic Grier, the concert will open with the delightful Third Symphony by Schubert. Written in 1815, when Schubert was 18 years old, and modelled on the works of Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven, this symphony has an admirable freshness and lyrical vitality. The Nielsen Flute Concerto, written in 1926 for Holger Gilbert-Jespersen captures the famous flautist’s personality and will be performed by the hugely talented Zara Jealous. Ruth Gipp was a contemporary and friend of Malcolm Arnold at the R.C.M in the early 1940’s. The theme, taken from Gipp’s Coronation March (1953), inspired Arnold to produce a colourful set of orchestral variations. Prague was a city that adored Mozart and the composer admired Bohemian wind playing. When he arrived in the city in 1787, he brought with him the newly completed Symphony no.38 that has become known as The Prague. Join us for a wonderful evening of marvellous and inspiring music-making.

The Sampson Orchestra of Cambridge, conducted by Darrell Davison, performs several famous Spanish-themed orchestral works, including Capriccio Espagnol, The Three-cornered Hat, and España. The concert finale is Ravel's exciting "Boléro", while the soloist item, featuring saxophonist Richard Scholfield, is Bizet's dazzling Carmen Fantasy. The local charity which will benefit from this concert is CamSight.

John PowellHow to Train Your Dragon suite Hans ZimmerChevaliers de Sangreal from The Da Vinci Code Domenico CimarosaConcerto for 2 flutes in G major Johan de MeijSymphony No. 1, Lord of the Rings Symphony Cambridge Graduate Orchestra Conductor: Philip Howie Flutes: Paulo Ghiglia and Ellie Kendall 20, 11 (concessions), 8 (students) Queries: [email protected] Facebook: @CambridgeGraduateOrchestra Epic Soundscapes and Timeless Elegance: An Evening with the Cambridge Graduate Orchestra Join the Cambridge Graduate Orchestra for an unforgettable evening of cinematic brilliance and classical charm, as they present a powerful programme of musical storytelling and orchestral virtuosity. The journey begins with John Powells sweeping How to Train Your Dragon suite, a thrilling adventure through soaring melodies and Celtic-inspired rhythms that capture the spirit of flight and the bond between dragon and rider. From tender themes to exhilarating battles, Powells music is a modern orchestral triumph. Hans Zimmers evocative Chevaliers de Sangreal, from The Da Vinci Code, follows with its hauntingly beautiful build and reverent power. This piece layers minimalist motifs into a climactic revelation, perfectly echoing the mystery and grandeur of the story it accompanies. Domenico Cimarosas Concerto for Two Flutes in G major offers a delightful contrast, showcasing the elegance of the Classical era. Performed by flautists Paulo Ghiglia and Ellie Kendall, the concerto sparkles with charm, grace, and witty interplay between the soloists in a display of Baroque-inspired clarity. The evening culminates in Johan de Meijs Symphony No. 1 The Lord of the Rings, an extraordinary five-movement work inspired by Tolkiens legendary saga. Each movement brings to life key characters and scenesGandalfs majestic presence, the eerie whimsy of Gollum, the ethereal beauty of Lothlrien, the epic journey through the Mines of Moria, and the triumphant return of the King. De Meijs symphony fuses narrative drama with bold orchestration, offering a rich, immersive experience for lovers of fantasy and symphonic music alike. Dont miss this breathtaking concert of cinematic grandeur and classical brilliance.