Burgess Hill Symphony Orchestra are relishing prospect of their first live audience since November 2019
Burgess Hill Symphony Orchestra are playing for a live audience for the first time in two years. Spokeswoman Katie Fenn said: “It has been two years since the Burgess Hill Symphony Orchestra have been able to play for an audience because of Covid 19. Our last very popular concert was November 2019 and we are delighted to announce that our next concert will be November 20 2021, 7.30pm at St Andrews Church, Burgess Hill. “Although the orchestra has not been able to perform does not mean we sat idle, letting our instruments gather dust. “Far from it. “We have instead joined in weekly virtual rehearsals led by our enthusiastic maestro Michael Stefan Wood. “In July this year we all met for the first time, since the pandemic, for a socially distanced live rehearsal at Adastra Hall. “This day was full of delight, not only for being back together but with the irreplaceable joy of performing great music. “Since September we have been back to our normal rehearsal schedule and with renewed enthusiasm and we have eagerly practised the programme of pieces for the concert. “We are also excited to announce a new leader, Richard Surcliffe. “Richard will be a familiar face to our regular audience as he often joined the ranks of the first violins for our concerts. “He was due to take over as leader in May 2020 but we have unfortunately have had to wait until now to welcome him as leader. “The concert includes Symphony No 9 Dvorak From the New World.
“This choice of symphony is very apt for the times we find ourselves in. “Although originally composed to evoke thoughts of Native Americans with syncopated and complex rhythms, the music, translated in the post-Covid world with the uncertainty and ever-changing rhythm of life, this powerful piece of music will resonate with a modern audience. “The Overture to The Magic Flute Mozart is a joyous piece of music full of lovely harmonies and suspense that everyone expects from one of the world’s favourite composers.
“The opera was the last of his great works to be completed. “As most of Mozart works, it is difficult to play but delightful to listen to. “We complete our concert with a medley from The Sound of Music, Rodgers & Hammerstein. This familiar medley of tunes will leave the audience singing and dancing their way home.” Tickets £12.50 (accompanied under-16s free) are available from the website www.bhso. org,uk/box-office, Burgess Hill Help Point or by calling 01444 232067. Tickets also available on the door at £15.