Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the death of Benjamin Britten in 1976, we open with arguably his best-loved orchestral work, the “Four Sea Interludes” from his opera Peter Grimes.
This will be followed by Richard Strauss’s finest and final vocal composition, his Four Last Songs, performed tonight by one of the world’s greatest Strauss interpreters, British soprano Elizabeth Watts.
Elizabeth is a former BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist and is much in demand across the world; they are delighted to welcome her back to the Festival.
After the interval you will hear Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, the Pathétique.
A deeply emotional work that famously ends in a slow, sorrowful fade to silence, subverting the typical triumphant finale, it was described by Tchaikovsky in letters as “the best thing I ever composed or shall compose”.
He died nine days after its premier performance, which he conducted himself.
Tonight’s conductor, Tom Fetherstonhaugh has already appeared at the Festival with his own orchestra, Fantasia, and they look forward to welcoming him with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, a much-loved Festival favourite.
Performers
Elizabeth Watts soprano
Tom Fetherstonhaugh conductor
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Programme to include:
Britten “Four Sea Interludes”
Strauss Four Last Songs
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6, Pathétique
PLEASE NOTE this concert should be booked via the Festival website only
Sponsored by Greenham Trust
The Newbury Spring Festival
Newbury Spring Festival is one of the most popular and successful music festivals in the South of England.
Over the last years the Festival has grown hugely in size and quality building up a reputation of international status.
The very best young musical stars appear alongside some of the world’s most distinguished and famous names.
Newbury Spring Festival is a glorious fortnight of world class music in Newbury and its beautiful neighbouring villages, with up to 45 events in 18 venues, and where international symphony orchestras, ensembles and soloists rub shoulders with jazz legends, world music artists and the stars of tomorrow.
The Festival was founded in 1979 to provide the opportunity to promote culture in the region by creating an annual festival accessible to all.
It aims to bring excellent, new and innovative work from around the world to a variety of local venues adding to the economic and cultural wellbeing of the area, and to continue to create opportunities for young people, existing and new audiences to enjoy the arts.
Newbury Spring Festival is funded entirely by private donation, charitable giving and corporate sponsorship and enjoys its reputation as one of the most important cultural events in the region, attracting audiences of several thousand each year from the immediate area and beyond.
Over the past few years, highlights have included the Soweto Gospel Choir at Douai Abbey which has become one of the Festival’s major venues and established a tradition of world class choirs.
Also in 2006, the Victoria Mullova Ensemble performed an unforgettable concert at Englefield House.
In 2008 John Williams and Emanuel Ax both performed in the Corn Exchange, developing a pattern of an International Celebrity Recital Series in this venue.
In 2004 the Tibetan Monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastry took part in an exciting week long Festival residency.
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