Two contransting highlights of this season are the Suite from Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss, and the Cantata, Alexander Nevsky by Prokofiev.
It is hard to imagine music more delicate and opulent than the Suite from Rosenkavalier. The magical Presentation of the Silver Rose scene glints and sparkles, while nostalgic Viennese waltzes swirl their way through this romantic comedy, and Richard Strauss' rich orchestrations are everywhere.
Originally written as the score for the film directed by Sergei Eisenstein, Prokofiev rearranged the music as a suite of movements, which give a powerful portrayal of the tale of Teutonic knights vanquished by Prince Alexander Nevsky’s tactical brilliance. The Cantata brings to life the patriotic fervour of the Russian people, the city of Pskov in Flames, and the famous 'Battle on the Ice' in a way which never fails to stir the deepest emotions.
Concerts 2011-2012
Below is our exciting programme for the 2011-2012 season. Click on the date of a concert to find out more, or you can download a copy of our brochure.
Details of these concerts are also in the Music in Norwich brochure (1.5MB), which has a round-up of all the classical, jazz and world music events in the Norwich area for the September 2011 - April 2012 season.
Saturday 5th November 2011, 7.30pm
St Andrew's Hall
HAYDN Harmoniemesse
DVOŘÁK The Noonday Witch
R STRAUSS Suite from Der Rosenkavalier
Cecilia Osmond (soprano), Clare McCaldin (mezzo), Simon Wall (tenor), Brian Bannatyne-Scott (bass),
Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus
conducted by David Dunnett and Matthew Andrews
Saturday 10th December 2011, 7.30pm
St Andrew's Hall
NIELSEN Helios Overture
ELGAR Cello Concerto
HOLST Egdon Heath
SIBELIUS Symphony No.5
Bartholomew LaFollette, cello (Elgar)
Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra
conducted by Matthew Andrews
Tuesday 20th December 2011, 7.30pm
St Andrew's Hall
FAMILY CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Including CAROLS FOR CHOIR AND AUDIENCE
Norwich Philharmonic Choir and guests
Norfolk Brass and CNS Chamber Choir
conducted by David Dunnett
Saturday 4th February 2012, 7.30pm
St Andrew's Hall
WEBER Oberon Overture
BRAHMS Piano Concerto No.1
RACHMANINOV Symphony No.3
with Mihkel Poll, piano (Brahms),
Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra
conducted by Matthew Andrews
Saturday 17th March 2012, 7.30pm
St Andrew's Hall
JONATHAN DOVE There was a Child
PROKOFIEV Alexander Nevsky
Nicola-Jane Kemp (soprano) Jennifer Westwood (mezzo), Martin Hindmarsh (tenor)
Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus
conducted by David Dunnett