NB: There is a pre-concert talk at 6.45pm

 

Lennox Berkeley – Sinfonietta

Ian Stephens – Clarinet Concerto

Mozart – Symphony No.40 in E flat major

 

Conductor:  Robin Wallington

Clarinet:  Mandy Burvill

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LMO is delighted to welcome for the first time up and coming conductor Robin Wallington to direct them in their February concert. The centrepiece of the concert is the northern premiere of local composer Ian Stephens’ Clarinet Concerto. For those who have heard Ian’s work performed by the RLPO, amongst others, know that his music is always inventive and engaging, and teaming up with erstwhile RLPO clarinettist Mandy Burvill makes for a scintillating prospect.

The concert begins with a British composer from a bygone era, Lennox Berkeley. His Sinfonietta of 1950 has classical period influences and offers the orchestra a not inconsiderable challenge. The opening movement is energetic, airy and the hunting horn adds to its outdoor style.

After the interval comes Mozart’s most famous symphony, No.40.  Instantly recognisable from the first notes, the symphony is one of Mozart’s most melodic orchestral works, with a charming first movement, beautiful second movement, an unusually serious minuet and a spritely finale – an absolute must for Mozart fans.