Conductor’s new work to be premiered

Sinfonia Viva is to perform in a concert at Derby Cathedral on Saturday, January 10.
Sinfonia VivaSinfonia Viva
Sinfonia Viva

Not only will this be the debut concert in Derby for Duncan Ward, the orchestra’s new prinicipal conductor, but Sinfonia Viva will also be performing the world premiere of his new composition.

This will be an absorbing and enjoyable programme of classics as the orchestra, joined by the accomplished Soprano Rebecca Bottone, makes an eagerly-awaited return to Derby Cathedral.

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First arranged in 1948 and rewritten in 1963, the Chacony in G minor is arguably Britten’s most famous arrangement of one of Purcell’s compositions. The Chacony has origins in a slow Spanish dance with a 3/4

timing. A piece with a very noble and restrained air about it, it is simultaneously a tranquil and beautifully expressive work.

The exciting world premiere of a new composition by Duncan Ward has been commissioned by the orchestra especially for the concert, a real treat for the audience and a brilliant introduction to Viva’s inspirational and multi-talented newest member.

Benjamin Britten dominated the musical scene in this country from the 1930s and is famed for his choral compositions, songs and operas. Les Illuminations is dedicated to French-speaking Swiss soprano Sophie Wyss who first performed Being Beauteous and Marine as separate settings with string orchestra in 1939.

She also premiered the full song cycle in London in 1940.

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Finally, there will be a performance of Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony, which was written in the summer of 1806 and premiered the following year. The result of a commission from Count Franz von Oppersdorff who had admired Beethoven’s Second symphony, the work, which in retrospect may appear more restrained than and overshadowed by the impact of the Third and Fifth symphonies, drew great admiration from Berlioz and has stood the test of time.

The concert is supported by Rolls-Royce plc, Derby City Council, Derby LIVE, Derby Cathedral and Orchestras Live. Sinfonia Viva is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

The concert gets under way at 7.30pm. Tickets are £20 (concessions £18).

Contact the box office on 01332 255800 or go online to www.derbylive.co.uk/your-visit/how -book/