Glittering selection of orchestral gems

FOR those fans of soaring orchestral performances and rousing concertos in Aberystwyth, then this weekend has the performance for you.

Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, Richard Strauss’ Horn Concerto – plus favourites by Fauré and Delius – will be part of a feast of music played by Aberystwyth’s symphony orchestra, Philomusica, at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre this Saturday, December 2.

The Symphonic Dances from West Side Story are a brilliant and electrifying sequence of exhilarating and colourful music from one of the greatest creations of modern musical theatre – a real showcase for Philomusica’s superb brass and percussion sections.

The Shostakovich Festive Overture is another concert favourite, tuneful and full of life – a great example of the great 20th-century Russian composer at his most accessible.

The orchestra, conducted by David Russell Hulme, will also play Frederick Delius’ enchanting La Calinda and Gabriel Fauré’s suite from his beautifully atmospheric incidental music for Maeterlinck’s Pelléas et Mélisande, which features his well-known and much-loved Sicilienne.

The soloist in Richard Strauss’ Second Horn Concerto is Australian horn virtuoso Helen MacDougall.

Now living in Aberystwyth, Helen has recorded several concertos for international Kathryn Williams The winning numbers in Saturday night’s Lotto main draw were The bonus number was The Thunderball numbers were labels and travels regularly to Europe to play with orchestras such as La Petite Bande, Les Musiciens du Louvre and Les Arts Floissante.

The Philomusica orchestra brings together talented musicians from across the area and the university with top professional players.

The result is always a great live-music experience that attracts large and enthusiastic audiences.

Ticket prices start from £3 and you can book through the Aberystwyth Arts Centre box office by calling 01970 623232.

Or visit www.aberystwythartscentre. co.uk

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