AN ORCHESTRA that usually performs in Reading, is coming to in Wokingham in June.
The Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) will perform a programme of music it has titled Serenity Amid The Storm.
It features two great romantic symphonies, one by Louise Farrenc and other by Johannes Brahms.
“Both are filled with pathos and intensity, and also with contrasting moments of lyrical repose, giving rise to the concert’s title,” said APO assistant music director and Wokingham resident, Mel Le Breuilly.
“This is a brilliant programme for any concert virgins who are new to live orchestral music.
“It’s full of drama and contrast – powerful and exciting at times – but it can also be calm and moving in its quieter moments.
“We’re really looking forward to performing it in the lovely acoustic of All Saints Church.”
French composer Louise Farrenc was well known in her lifetime, in the mid-19th century.
Her music was admired by contemporary composers such as Hector Berlioz and Robert Schumann, but although their music has since become world famous, Farrenc’s faded into obscurity – until recently – because of her gender.
Her fiery Third Symphony amply demonstrates the absurdity of this, with its fierce and incisive writing whipping up great dramatic tension.
The fire and brimstone is offset by gentle melodies woven into long, languishing phrases, particularly in the piece’s second movement.
The same contrast permeates the programme’s second half; when the orchestra will perform a true titan of the repertoire, the Fourth Symphony of German composer, Johannes Brahms.
This piece can certainly not be said to have been neglected since its first performance in 1885.
It contains some of the composer’s darkest, most brooding music.
Again, this just heightens the sheer beauty of its quieter moments, including a haunting flute solo in the finale that spans the highest and lowest registers of the instrument, and the solemn trombone chorale that follows shortly after.
The event will take place at All Saints Church, Wokingham, on Sunday, June 15.
Doors open at 6pm, with tickets costing £15 for adults, and £10 for under 18s.
Members of APO’s free fan club for five to15 year olds, APO Young, can enter for £7.
APO’s famous Concert Virgin scheme offers free tickets – no questions asked – to anyone who’s never heard a live orchestra perform.
All, including Concert Virgin free ticket, are available from the APO website.
For tickets and information, visit: apo.org.uk
