sign in sign up
<<
Home , Guy Barker, Jessica Cottis, London Concert Choir, Twice Through the Heart

Principal partner 2 AN ORCHESTRA LIKE NO OTHER Meet Southbank Sinfonia: 33 outstanding young players poised to make a significant impact on the music profession. Every year we welcome an entirely new cohort of exceptional talents from all over the world and are fascinated to hear and see what they will achieve together. Let them guide you through a vast array of repertoire and invigorating collaborations with artists such as Antonio Pappano, and Guy Barker as well as venerable organisations like the Royal House and Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Whatever events you can attend, you are sure to experience the immense energy and freshness the players bring to every performance. They make a blazing case for why orchestras still matter today, investing new life in a noble tradition and reminding us all what can be accomplished when dedicated individuals put their hearts and minds together. Join us on their remarkable journey, and be enlivened and inspired.

Simon Over Music Director and Principal Conductor

For the latest concert listings and to book tickets online, visit us at southbanksinfonia.co.uk

All information in this Concert Diary was correct at the time of going to press, but Southbank Sinfonia reserves the right to vary programmes if necessary. 3 MEET THE PLAYERS Alina Hiltunen Karla Norton Anaïs Ponty Duncan Anderson Violin Violin Viola

Yena Choi Tamara Elias Rachel Gorman Kaya Kuwabara Cara Laskaris Colm O’Reilly Timothy Rathbone Violin Violin Violin Violin Violin Violin Violin Martha Lloyd Helen Clinton Oliver Pashley Sacha Rattle Harry Ventham Stephen Craigen Clarinet Bassoon Horn

Pedro Lopez Campos Viviana Salcedo Agudelo Gareth Humphreys Brendan Parravicini Flute Oboe Bassoon Horn 4 Mark Gibbs Tatiana Chernyshova Marc Labranche Sophie Williams Viola Cello Cello

William Neri Jessica Tickle Patrick Tapio Johnson Giuseppe Ciraso Calì Hannah Turnbull Viola Viola Cello Bass Bass Sarah Campbell David Merseguer Royo Percussion DISCOVER MORE Find out more about each of the players, including their stories, achievements and iPod playlists at southbanksinfonia.co.uk/meettheplayers

Hear from the musicians themselves, discovering through their eyes the music, projects and experiences that make up a year with us at southbanksinfonia.co.uk/blog

Enjoy behind-the-scenes access with the very latest photos, news and videos on Facebook and Twitter: Southbank Sinfonia @SouthbankSinf Darren Moore Eugene Lee Simon Over Trumpet Associate Leader Music Director 5 FREE RUSH HOUR CONCERTS Be adventurous. With our series of bite-sized concerts at St John’s Waterloo, across the road from Waterloo station, there’s a whole world of invigorating music just waiting to be discovered in 2015 – and all for free. From a colossal Mahler symphony to daring chamber works, and Baroque treasures to symphonic , the sheer versatility of what an orchestra can sound and look like is put on show. You’ll share the rush of emotions felt by our players as they plunge into works afresh, drawing from the youthful energy of 33 of the most talented graduate musicians from around the world. This year we are thrilled to be collaborating with an array of internationally acclaimed guest artists and partners. Jazz virtuoso Guy Barker joins us with his 16-piece band in June for a premiere performance (page 23), while John Wilson, whose annual BBC Prom is amongst the first to sell out each year, returns in October (page 28). In February we also perform conductor-less alongside the Academy of St Martin in the Fields - one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world (page 13). If you’re new to classical music, this is the perfect way to dip a toe in the water. If you’re a seasoned concert-goer, we guarantee you’ll find something new alongside the players themselves. What have you got to lose? Divert your commute home, enjoy DATES AT A GLANCE FINDING ST JOHN’S WATERLOO a complimentary glass of wine and delve into an hour of JANUARY 29 exhilarating music. FEBRUARY 5 | 12 | 19 | 26 MARCH 5 6.00pm on Thursdays throughout the year. BFI IMAX APRIL 16 | 30 WATERLOO ROAD MAY 7 | 21 | 28 YORK ROAD St John’s JUNE 11 Waterloo JULY 9 OCTOBER 1 Waterloo Station 6 PERFORMING ALONGSIDE THE BEST

Central to the Southbank Sinfonia experience are partnerships with leading arts organisations. Collaboration with the Royal Opera House and Academy of St Martin in the Fields puts our players alongside the best in the business and gives them first- hand experience of what it takes to be a professional today. You too can experience these partnerships in action, hearing the orchestra play without a conductor (page 13) or gaining an insight into the nuances of playing in an orchestra for opera and ballet (page 19). Away from the public eye, an annual recording project sees Southbank Sinfonia combine with the BBC Concert Orchestra. Playing side-by-side with one of Side-by-side with BBC Concert Side-by-side Orchestra Europe’s most versatile orchestras, our musicians Opera House In the pit at Royal Photo: Sim Canetty-Clarke discover what it’s like to record music as varied as Hollywood film scores, English ‘light’ music or epic staples of classical repertoire for broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Partnership with organisations like the National Theatre and Southbank Centre helps to break down walls between the audience and musicians by at the on-stage live exploring new ways of presenting classical music. By taking their music beyond the usual strongholds of classical concerts, our players can connect with wider audiences and help pioneer the evolution of orchestral performance in the 21st century. Every Deserves Good Boy Favour Theatre National Coaching from the musicians of Academy of St Martin in the Fields

7 RUSH HOUR #1: PAUL GOGGINS MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE THE START FREE MEMORIAL CONCERT CONCERT SERIES THURSDAY 29 JANUARY | 6.00pm FRIDAY 30 JANUARY | 7.30pm SUNDAY 1 FEBRUARY | 3.00pm ST JOHN’S WATERLOO ST JOHN’S SMITH SQUARE, LONDON MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE, WILTSHIRE IN MEMORY OF TREVOR SHEARS Mozart Overture from The Marriage of Figaro Mendelssohn Trumpet Overture Mendelssohn Trumpet Overture Beethoven Concerto No.4 Mozart Ch’io mi scordi di te? Beethoven Symphony No.5 Mozart Mozart Overture to the Magic Flute Donizetti O luce di quest’anima Simon Over conductor Maxim Rysanov and Scott Price conductors from Linda di Chamonix The 2015 adventure begins with the most Ashley Wass piano Beethoven Symphony No.5 famous symphony of them all: Beethoven’s Following performances in Notre-Dame cathedral, Fifth. This is a work that demands fresh our 2014 players reunite to perform Mozart’s Simon Over conductor imagination to reawaken its astounding final masterpiece: the Requiem. We join with the Ilona Domnich soprano originality and force. The Fifth was a musical extraordinary Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School After a recent collaboration recording a CD of adventure without precedent and, as such, choir, singers on the Oscar-winning Life of Pi opera arias (due for release this year), Ilona provides the perfect starting point for a new soundtrack, for a concert in aid of the Cardinal Domnich returns to sing alongside Southbank orchestra embarking on a journey of discovery. Hume Centre. Sinfonia. Simon Over directs from the piano in Tickets £40, £25, £15 Mozart’s sublime Ch’io mi scordi di te?, fusing St John’s Smith Square Box Office elements of opera and instrumental concerto in sjss.org.uk | 020 7222 1061 one work. Tickets £20 (£10 students) Marlborough College Box Office marlboroughconcertseries.org | 01672 892246 Photo: Patrick Allen Patrick Photo: Wass Ashley Ilona Domnich

8 ALDEBURGH WEDNESDAY 4 FEBRUARY | 12.15pm JUBILEE HALL, ALDEBURGH Mozart Bassoon Concerto Mendelssohn Symphony No.4 ‘Italian’ Simon Over conductor Gareth Humphreys bassoon Tickets £10 | Aldeburgh Music Box Office aldeburgh.co.uk | 01728 687110

RUSH HOUR #2: PRODIGIES FREE THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY | 6.00pm ST JOHN’S WATERLOO THE DEREK BUTLER CONCERTO SERIES Mozart Bassoon Concerto Mendelssohn Symphony No.4 ‘Italian’ Simon Over conductor Gareth Humphreys bassoon Youthful minds brimming with inspiration penned the music in this concert. Mendelssohn was 21 when rural Italian landscapes inspired the joyful melodies of his Fourth Symphony, while an 18-year-old Mozart wrote the playful Bassoon Concerto. The latter features Southbank Sinfonia member Gareth Humphreys as soloist.

9 CHAMBER MUSIC AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE FREE CHANGING LIVES MONDAY 9 FEBRUARY | 1.00pm By virtue of their youth, energy and excellence, the musicians of Southbank CRUSH ROOM, ROYAL OPERA HOUSE Sinfonia are an inspirational taskforce eager to pass on their expertise and passion to a new generation. Our players lead projects with schoolchildren and community Spohr Nonet members throughout the year, often providing first musical encounters which mark Jörg Widmann Octet the start of a life-changing experience. Brilliantly imaginative scoring in pieces written two Whether in free concerts at St John’s Waterloo for local primary school students centuries apart provides a perfect showcase for our or side-by-side projects like our annual partnership with Cardinal Vaughan players. Spohr’s classically elegant Nonet is juxtaposed Memorial School, our players perform with and for young people throughout the UK. with Widmann’s rollercoaster Octet that pushes the Approachable and passionate, they act as much-needed role models who are able capabilities of each player to the limit. to give young people a vivid sense of what dedication to music can achieve. Tickets are free but should be booked in advance Experiences like this help our players Royal Opera House Box Office become confident musical leaders in roh.org.uk | 020 7304 4000 their own right, ready and willing to keep inspiring younger counterparts for years to come. So far, over 30,000 young people RUSH HOUR #3: FREE MAHLER 4 have been inspired through initiatives like this. THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY | 6.00pm ST JOHN’S WATERLOO Adults, too, can perform alongside the orchestra and glean top tips to improve Mahler Symphony No.4 their own musicality and technique directly David Corkhill conductor Free concert for local schools at Waterloo our home St John’s from professionals. In June, musicians of all ages are invited to join us to perform Maud Millar soprano Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony (page 25). Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School Meanwhile, Southbank Sinfonia Family For Mahler, a symphony “must be like the world – it must Concerts at Cadogan Hall (page 12) embrace everything”. His fourth starts innocently with a are specially designed to provide an glance back to the era of Mozart and evolves to a climax exhilarating environment in which to of ‘heavenly life’ accompanied by the music of paradise. introduce the whole family - from five year Joining us to create a symphony orchestra of 64 players olds to grandparents - to the joys of live is the remarkable Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School, orchestral music. whose young musicians are mentored by their Southbank

Sinfonia counterparts. project on Symphony 2014 Schools’ Hall stage Festival the Royal

10 Photo: Alice Boagey Photo: IMAGINE FESTIVAL: PASSENGER SEATS FREE WEDNESDAY 18 FEBRUARY | 2.30pm & 3.30pm CLORE BALLROOM, ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL Natalia Luis-Bassa conductor Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be inside an orchestra? As part of Southbank Centre’s Imagine Festival for children, youngsters are invited to take ‘passenger seats’ among our players. Experience the buzz of Beethoven’s Symphony No.7 and Mendelssohn’s whirlwind ‘Italian’ in an immersive musical thrill ride. Presented with a sign interpreter and visual aids in partnership with Music and the Deaf.

RUSH HOUR #4: DANCING RHYTHMS FREE THURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY | 6.00pm ST JOHN’S WATERLOO SUPPORTED BY OUR OBBLIGATO FRIENDS Piazzolla Tangazo Romero Fuga con Pajarillo Beethoven Symphony No.7 Natalia Luis-Bassa conductor Charismatic Venezuelan Natalia Luis-Bassa celebrates the spirit of dance from around the world. Piazzolla’s Argentinian Tangazo builds to an edgy tango of percussive and melodic flair while Romero fuses a lively pajarillo – a Venezuelan dance – with a more formal fugue. From Europe, Beethoven’s Seventh was described by Wagner as “the apotheosis of the dance”, driven by relentless rhythms and boundless energy.

11 SOUTHBANK SINFONIA FAMILY CONCERTS FAMILY CONCERT SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY | 11.00am What better way to kickstart your family’s weekend CADOGAN HALL, LONDON than with our new-look Family Concerts, jam-packed with fuel for the imagination? Picture 33 professional musicians, instruments in hand and dressed to the nines. But who’s Featuring a full orchestra, they mix live musical behind the black bow tie? What is it that makes a performance with specially created videos, sounds musician tick? and theatrical lighting that immerse children and adults alike in an inspiring orchestral world. In the first Family Concert of 2015, meet the personalities of the orchestra and learn about the Over three concerts through the year, join us on an adventures they’ve had on their way to performing adventure led by the players themselves and find breathtaking symphonic music for you. out just what’s so exciting about classical music. After each concert, you’ll also have the chance to Ideal for children aged 5 - 11 meet our friendly musicians and try out some of their Including music from: instruments in the Cadogan Hall foyer. Beethoven Symphony No.7 Can’t wait to start exploring? Find out more about Romero Fuga con Pajarillo the music, composers and players before the concert Mendelssohn Symphony No.4 ‘Italian’ with our online tasters by visiting southbanksinfonia.co.uk/musical-explorers Natalia Luis-Bassa conductor Tickets £5 children, £10 adults, £25 family of four 2015 Family Concerts: Cadogan Hall Box Office Saturday 21 February cadoganhall.com | 020 7730 4500 Saturday 6 June (page 22) Saturday 17 October (page 28)

12 RUSH HOUR #5: UNCONDUCTED FREE THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY | 6.00pm ST JOHN’S WATERLOO NO CONDUCTOR? Prokofiev Symphony No.1 ‘Classical’ When an orchestra performs without a Within the orchestra, every sense is Haydn Symphony No.99 conductor it offers musicians artistic thrills elevated as dozens of musicians listen and freedom, but at far greater risk. How and watch each other more intensely with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields do you shape the sounds, tempos, and than ever before. Every flick of the head, emotions of dozens of performers when raising of an eyebrow or split-second of Growing up, the enfant terrible Prokofiev’s music there is no maestro on the podium? eye contact becomes a crucial conduit of was thought abrasively radical in its pioneering communication, but the reward of such of a new orchestral sound. Yet his First Symphony To help cultivate the skills needed to pull concentration is exceptional orchestral was modelled on traditional Classicism, inspired off such a feat, Southbank Sinfonia works cohesion and the potential for truly by the genius of Haydn but updating it with 120 in partnership with the Principals of the unforgettable performances. year’s worth of new ideas. Compare the evolution Academy of St Martin in the Fields. World yourself with Haydn’s lively Symphony No.99, acclaimed, the Academy has an esteemed Later in the year, Southbank Sinfonia written for a London concert series in 1794. history of often performing without a strings will also lead their own conductor since their founding in 1958. unconducted Rush Hour concert on RUSH HOUR #6: Thursday 28 May (page 22). BEETHOVEN 6 FREE THURSDAY 5 MARCH | 6.00pm ST JOHN’S WATERLOO Mozart Overture to The Magic Flute Verdi Act 3 Prelude from ‘I Lombardi’ Beethoven Symphony No.6 ‘Pastoral’ Paul Wynne-Griffiths conductor Tamara Elias violin Royal Opera House conductor Paul Wynne-Griffiths guides the orchestra through two operatic works, including lyrical solo violin from Verdi. Beethoven’s Sixth, meanwhile, is often seen as a picture postcard of life in the countryside. At first glance it seems innocently light-hearted, but is there more hiding beneath the surface?

13 BURY COURT OPERA: LONDON CONCERT CHOIR: THE RAKE’S PROGRESS FRIDAY 6 MARCH | 6.00pm TUESDAY 10 MARCH | 7.30pm SUNDAY 8 MARCH | 5.30pm BARBICAN, LONDON WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH | 7.45pm SATURDAY 14 MARCH | 5.30pm Mendelssohn Elijah BURY COURT BARN, SURREY Mark Forkgen conductor Stravinsky The Rake’s Progress London Concert Choir Erica Eloff soprano Simon Over conductor Jeanette Ager mezzo-soprano Past Southbank Sinfonia members return Nicholas Hurndall-Smith tenor to play for long-standing partner Bury Court Toby Stafford-Allen bass Opera. The Rake’s Progress tells a Faustian Tickets £16 - £30 tale of a man who, tired of his simple Barbican Box Office country life, strikes a deal with the devil barbican.org.uk | 020 7638 8891 and abandons his sweetheart to embark on a life of reckless pleasure. Tickets £65 - £90 PARLIAMENT CHOIR Bury Court Opera Box Office WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH | 7.30pm burycourtopera.org | 01420 22109 ST JOHN’S SMITH SQUARE, LONDON You can also dine in style at Bury Court Opera after selected performances. Monteverdi Beatus vir Purcell Come Ye Sons of Art Nicholas O’Neill O God of earth and altar Simon Over conductor Parliament Choir Kiandra Howarth soprano James Laing and Tom Verney countertenor George Humphreys baritone Tickets £10, £20, £30 St John’s Smith Square Box Office sjss.org.uk | 020 7222 1061

14 CHAMBER MUSIC AT VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY: SOUTHBANK CENTRE FREE DVORAK & RACHMANINOV FRIDAY 20 MARCH | 1.00pm WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH | 7.30pm FRONT ROOM, QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL CADOGAN HALL, LONDON Britten Phantasy Quartet for oboe and strings Rachmaninov Vocalise Korngold String Sextet in D major Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini v Britten and Korngold were teenagers when they Dvorák Symphony No.9 ‘From the New World’ wrote these works, both of which have a character Vladimir Ashkenazy conductor and confidence far beyond their years. The Phantasy Quartet added a new European edge to the Alessio Bax piano traditional charm of English pastoral music, while Patron and acclaimed artist Vladimir Ashkenazy brings the dramatic Sextet blends Korngold’s distinctive decades of experience working with the world’s greatest voice – that which would later define Hollywood – orchestras to Southbank Sinfonia. with sweet Brahms-like melodies and a touch of Rachmaninov’s iconic Rhapsody takes Paganini’s final Viennese sparkle. Caprice for solo violin then transforms, embellishes and amplifies its original melody into one of the all-time great works for piano and orchestra. We warmly welcome back Alessio Bax to join us as soloist. Dvorák’sv Ninth Symphony, meanwhile, is a masterpiece spawned from the thriving metropolis of New York at the close of the 19th century. With new American musical influences ripe in the air, Dvorákv blended his love and longing for his native Bohemia with the exhilarating thrill of the New World. Tickets £10 - £35 Cadogan Hall Box Office cadoganhall.com

020 7730 4500 Photo: Keith Saunders Photo: Lisa Marie Mazzucco Alessio Bax 15 RUSH HOUR #7: BAROQUE FREE LONDON HANDEL FESTIVAL THURSDAY 16 APRIL | 6.00pm FRIDAY 17 APRIL | 7.00pm ST JOHN’S WATERLOO ST GEORGE’S, HANOVER SQUARE THE DEREK BUTLER CONCERTO SERIES Handel Overture ‘Giustino’ Handel Overture ‘Giustino’ Rebel Les Caractères de la Dance Rebel Les Caractères de la Dance Telemann Concerto in G major for two Telemann Concerto in G major for two and bassoon flutes and bassoon JS Bach Orchestral Suite No.3 JS Bach Orchestral Suite No.3 Pergolesi Missa Romana Adrian Butterfield director Adrian Butterfield director Forget everything you know about an Michael Berman director, Vox Musica orchestra of today and join us on a journey Soraya Mafi and Bethan Seymour soprano back in time. With authentic gut strings Tom Verney countertenor and Baroque bows, the instruments of the James Way tenor orchestra demand a fresh technique for Vox Musica performers and reward the listener with a bold sound rich with complex overtones. Graceful yet extrovert, Pergolesi’s mass combines And of the music? These are pieces expressive solo and choral singing with by the radical artists of their time, atmospheric writing for double string orchestra. breaking rules of composition that had This is a rare chance to hear a work with moments stood for centuries. of vivid colour and contrasting poignancy, performed with authentic Baroque bows and strings at the church Handel himself attended. Tickets £14 | London Handel Festival Box Office london-handel-festival.com | 01460 54660

300 years later, Baroque music presents a “whole new side of the orchestra to discover MARTHA LLOYD ” Flute

16 CHANGING BRITAIN TWICE THROUGH THE HEART: What impact does the world have on music? What 1979 - 1997 impact does music have on the world? This Spring, SUNDAY 26 APRIL | 5.00pm we play a major part in Changing Britain, Southbank PURCELL ROOM, QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL Centre’s landmark festival interrogating 70 years of British society, culture and politics. Three weekends will Fresh challenges facing the arts awoke a generation explore distinct periods since World War Two, brought to of fearless new voices. Turnage’s Twice Through The life through talks, visual art and music. Each weekend, Heart is an iconic work of the era, a powerful parable Southbank Sinfonia presents an hour-long salon of for the disorder that comes from inequality, matched words and music from each era, charting how music by furious testimonies from Berkoff and Pinter. has captured the changing fortunes of the nation. Programme includes: Jonathan Berman conductor Mark-Anthony Turnage Twice Through The Heart Tickets Passes covering individual days, festival periods or all Prose and poetry by events can be purchased from Southbank Centre Harold Pinter and Steven Berkoff southbankcentre.co.uk | 020 7960 4200

REBUILDING BRITAIN: HAVE I GOT MUSIC FOR YOU: 1945 - 1979 1997 - 2015 SUNDAY 19 APRIL | 5.00pm SATURDAY 2 MAY| 5.00pm PURCELL ROOM, QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL FRONT ROOM, QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL After the war, many artists hoped to salvage the New Labour brought to Britain the age of ‘spin’ nation’s lost heritage - as in the Elizabethan variations and new waves of satire. Nothing could occur in by Walton and others. But as the dream of a better the political arena that was not lampooned and Britain failed to emerge, stark new voices began to caricatured. This is felt in Joanna Lee’s exhilarating speak out, including the young Pinter and Birtwistle. Effigies in which political leaders like George W Bush are brought to trial. Philip Cashian’s Caprichos takes Programme includes: its title from a set of Goya prints that, like his music, Poems by John Betjeman and Harold Pinter reflect the follies of the day. Walton / Britten / Tippett / Oldham Variations on an Elizabethan Theme Programme includes: Peter Maxwell Davies Trumpet Sonata Joanna Lee Every Inch of Many Effigies Harrison Birtwistle Refrains and Choruses Philip Cashian Caprichos

17 RUSH HOUR #8: CHAMBER MUSIC FREE THURSDAY 30 APRIL | 6.00pm ST JOHN’S WATERLOO Martinuo Quartet R Strauss Metamorphosen for string septet In chamber music, the sound, personality and musicianship of every player is exposed for all to enjoy. Starting with exuberant percussive beats, Martinu’s Quartet brings together clarinet, horn, cello and snare drum. Alongside this, the beautiful Metamorphosen is condensed from its symphonic form to a sinuous river of emotion that demands astounding accuracy and honesty from its performers. RUSH HOUR #9: TRANSATLANTIC FREE THURSDAY 7 MAY | 6.00pm ST JOHN’S WATERLOO

THE DEREK BUTLER CONCERTO SERIES Beethoven Symphony No.1 R Strauss Duet Concertino Michael Daugherty Sunset Strip Rebecca Miller conductor Lloyd Coleman clarinet | Harry Ventham bassoon The electrifying Californian Rebecca Miller returns with a programme that spans from Beethoven’s first symphonic steps to the extravagances of night-time Los Angeles in Sunset Strip. In collaboration with Music and the Deaf, the outstanding hearing-impaired musician Lloyd Coleman also joins Southbank Sinfonia’s Harry Ventham for Strauss’ Duet Concertino. Please note: This concert begins with a brief artist interview with Lloyd, Harry and Rebecca, and is likely to finish at 7.45pm. 18 ROYAL OPERA HOUSE: SIDE-BY-SIDE IN PARTNERSHIP: SUNDAY 10 MAY | 5.30pm WORLD CLASS OPERA AND BALLET LINBURY THEATRE, ROYAL OPERA HOUSE Through our partnership with the Royal Opera House, Paul Wynne-Griffiths and Barry Wordsworth conductors Southbank Sinfonia players accrue a wealth of practical Jette Parker Young Artists and Royal Ballet Young Artists experience on-site at Covent Garden. By working with Royal Opera House conductors and musicians with specialist Performing alongside their counterparts from the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, our players learn what it takes to play in the experience in opera and ballet, our players discover how pit. With insights from the conductors and the players themselves, to combine the movement of dancers or the emotions of a you too can unearth the tricks of the trade as the spotlight is singer’s performance with the music being played. shone on one of the crucial ingredients of world-class opera In the Autumn, Southbank Sinfonia takes ownership of the and ballet. pit for a fully staged production with the exceptional Jette Tickets Royal Opera House Box Office Parker Young Artists. This annual collaboration between roh.org.uk | 020 7304 4000 rising stars at the beginning of their careers produces acclaimed results in the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre (page 28). Alongside an orchestral performance with Jette Parker young conductors in the Paul Hamlyn Hall (page 21) and a chamber performance in the Crush Room (page 10), mock auditions with Royal Opera musicians also provide invaluable feedback to our young players which, in turn, help them take the next step in their careers. La Scala di Seta (2014) Rossini Crush Room performance Photo: ROH/Mark Douet Photo: ROH/Mark

19 Photo: Sim Canetty-Clarke ANTONIO PAPPANO THURSDAY 14 MAY ITALIAN EMBASSY, LONDON Programme includes: Wagner Siegfried Idyll Sir Antonio Pappano conductor Continuing our evergreen association with the Royal Opera House, we are thrilled to collaborate with its world-famous Music Director Sir Antonio Pappano for the very first time. He will conduct ensembles from this year’s orchestra in a uniquely intimate concert at the Italian Embassy, kindly hosted by the British Italian Society to raise funds for Southbank Sinfonia. The performance is followed by an exclusive dinner with Maestro Pappano and the players. Tickets are available to Southbank Sinfonia’s Benefactors, Maestro Supporters and Obbligato Friends. To find out more, contact Ellie Greenhalgh on 020 7921 0370 or [email protected]. Find out more about becoming a supporter on page 30. Photo: EMI / Sheila Rock Antonio Pappano Sir

20 LUNCHTIME AT THE RUSH HOUR #10: ROYAL OPERA HOUSE FREE STRINGS ONLY FREE MONDAY 18 MAY | 1.00pm THURSDAY 21 MAY | 6.00pm PAUL HAMLYN HALL, ROYAL OPERA HOUSE ST JOHN’S WATERLOO Beethoven Symphony No.2 Grieg Holberg Suite Beethoven Symphony No.8 Bartók Divertimento Jonathan Santagada and Eugene Lee Associate Leader Michele Gamba conductors Composers often take inspiration from the A double header of symphonies abundant with past, trawling earlier musical forms and fusing energetic high spirits, conducted by the Royal them with contemporary insights. As the strings Opera House Jette Parker young conductors. demonstrate the incredible range that just one section of an orchestra can provide, Grieg’s short Originality and youthful exuberance characterise suite bookends moments of refined Classical Beethoven’s Second, a piece right on the cusp manners with boisterous energy. of symphonic revolution. Then, written a decade later, the hair-raising Eighth Symphony bounds Bartók looks back even further, picking up headlong into a ballistic finale that unleashes tradition of the Baroque Concerto Grosso. full-force of the orchestra. Passages jump between solo instruments and full ensemble, teasing out one last musical Tickets are free but should be booked in advance distraction as Europe slid ever closer to the Royal Opera House Box Office roh.org.uk | 020 7304 4000 annihilation of World War Two.

The energy and life in these two Beethoven “symphonies make it impossible to play them without a smile on my face MARK GIBBS ” Viola

21 RUSH HOUR #11: ROYAL BALLET: SYMPHONIC BRAHMS FREE CHANCE TO DANCE THURSDAY 28 MAY | 6.00pm SATURDAY 30 MAY | 5.00pm ST JOHN’S WATERLOO SUNDAY 31 MAY | 2.00pm & 5.00pm LINBURY THEATRE, ROYAL OPERA HOUSE Programme includes: Brahms Symphony No.2 David McKellan and Jessica Cottis conductors Simon Over conductor Southbank Sinfonia combines with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House to accompany dance works With his Second Symphony, Brahms opened the for young people, written specially for the occasion by creative flood gates. It is a piece of pure joy, with composers including Charlotte Bray. lyrical melodies building towards an athletically dazzling finale full of triumphant brass and Tickets Royal Opera House Box Office orchestral festivity. roh.org.uk | 020 7304 4000 To bring the full symphonic form of one of Brahms’ greatest works to life, we welcome back a host of SOUTHBANK SINFONIA former Southbank Sinfonia players. FAMILY CONCERT SATURDAY 6 JUNE | 11.00am CADOGAN HALL, LONDON Our second Family Concert of the year shines the spotlight on the music, taking you right inside one of the greatest symphonies ever written. Led by the orchestra, discover the ingredients that go into a masterpiece like Beethoven’s Fifth, find out what it’s like to perform, and experience the whole symphony like never before. Ideal for children aged 5 - 11 Beethoven Symphony No.5 Simon Over conductor Tickets £5 children, £10 adults, £25 family of four Cadogan Hall Box Office cadoganhall.com | 020 7730 4500

22 Orchestral jazz presents a fresh RUSH HOUR #12: KIND OF BLUE FREE “challenge, opening our minds to THURSDAY 11 JUNE | 6.00pm a new musical language ST JOHN’S WATERLOO DAVID MERSEGUER ROYO ” Guy Barker Miles Symphonic: Kind of Blue Percussion Guy Barker leader and The Guy Barker Jazz Orchestra Renowned jazz trumpeter Guy Barker reframes the sound and shape of the orchestra for the London premiere of his orchestration of Miles Davis’ iconic album Kind of Blue. As Southbank Sinfonia merges with 16 of Europe’s leading big- band players, expect an hour of unforgettable symphonic jazz led by an artist who has worked with Paloma Faith, Quincy Jones, , Mel Tormé, , , Anthony Minghella and countless others across a vast array of genres.

As an enticing alternative to this evening’s Rush Hour, join us at 8.00pm for a more intimate performance of Miles Symphonic in which we conjure a jazz club vibe with VIP table seating and an after-show drinks party with Guy Barker and his band. Tickets £20 | £120 VIP table for four with two complimentary bottles of wine (limited availability) Priority booking for supporters Public booking from 1 May To book, contact Ellie Greenhalgh on 020 7921 0370 or [email protected], Guy Barker or find out more about becoming a supporter on page 30. Photo: Charlie Chan 23 WATERLOO FESTIVAL: WATERLOO FESTIVAL: BFI FILM MUSIC COMPETITION GALA CONCERT MONDAY 15 JUNE | 4.30pm THURSDAY 18 JUNE | 7.30pm BFI SOUTHBANK ST JOHN’S WATERLOO Film composers shape the soundtrack to Programme includes: our lives today as much as pop-stars. At the Beethoven Fidelio Overture nerve-centre of UK cinema, a chamber group FS Kelly Elegy for Strings ‘In Memoriam Rupert Brooke’ of Southbank Sinfonia musicians will bring new works by aspiring composers to life as Barber Adagio for Strings they perform to a screening of a specially Denis Browne Three Songs for Orchestra and tenor commissioned short film. Denis Browne The Comic Spirit Tickets are free but should be booked in advance Simon Over and Graham Ross conductors when public booking opens in May stjohnswaterloo.org | 020 7633 9819 Choir of Clare College, Cambridge Central School of Dance In music, words and dance, we commemorate not only the bi-centenary of the Battle of Waterloo but also the centenary of the Gallipoli landings where several of Britain’s most promising young composers – like the celebrated young poet Rupert Brooke – lost their lives. With premiere performances of some of their music, we glimpse what their musical legacy could have been, had the First World War not taken their lives. We are delighted to welcome young artists from Central School of Dance and Clare College Choir for this special occasion. Tickets £12, £8 concessions, £25 family of four Public booking opens in May stjohnswaterloo.org | 020 7633 9819

24 WATERLOO FESTIVAL: COME AND PLAY FREE SEVEN SEEDS SATURDAY 20 JUNE TUESDAY 23 JUNE | 6.30pm ST JOHN’S WATERLOO ROYAL ALBERT HALL, LONDON Beethoven Symphony No.3 ‘Eroica’ IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TRI-BOROUGH MUSIC HUB John Barber & Hazel Gould Seven Seeds David Corkhill conductor Do you dream of playing with a professional Nicholas Collon conductor orchestra? Here’s your chance as musicians Yvonne Howard mezzo-soprano of all ages are invited to join us and perform Marcus Farnsworth baritone Beethoven’s groundbreaking Third Symphony, a piece that heroically blasted wide-open every Alongside Aurora Orchestra, Albert’s Band conception of what a symphony could be. and the Bach Choir 210 years later, you can perform alongside our Seven Seeds is a major creative arts project energetic players and recreate the shockwaves designed as a catalyst for the musical of that first performance. development of thousands of students from west Recommended standard: Grade 5 and above London’s Tri-borough Further information and booking details will be schools. This newly available at southbanksinfonia.co.uk in the Spring. commissioned work will see over 1,200 young people perform alongside an orchestra featuring musicians from Southbank Sinfonia and Aurora Orchestra among others. Tickets £10, £5 concessions Royal Albert Hall Box Office royalalberthall.com | 0845 401 5045

25 PETER HULSEN ORCHESTRAL SONG AWARD

Photo: Raphaelle Photography TUESDAY 30 JUNE | 7.30pm ST MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS, LONDON IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HELP MUSICIANS UK Programme includes songs from: Canteloube Songs of the Auvergne Berlioz Les nuits d’été Finzi Let us garlands bring Rodney Bennett Songs before sleep Simon Over conductor Soraya Mafi soprano Bozidar Smiljanic baritone The greatest works in the orchestral song book blend the lyricism of the human voice with a rich tapestry of instrumental colour. Every two years, outstanding young singers compete for the Peter Hulsen Orchestral Song Award and the opportunity to perform alongside resplendent orchestral forces. This year’s winners, Soraya Mafi and Bozidar Smiljanic, sing luscious songs in the vaulted splendour of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Tickets £9 - £25 | Public booking opens in March St Martin-in-the-Fields Box Office | smitf.org | 020 7766 1100

SINGER / SMITF PHOTOS? Soraya Mafi Soraya Bozidar Smiljanic St Martin-in-the-Fields

26 RUSH HOUR #13: TUSCAN PREVIEW FREE ANGHIARI FESTIVAL THURSDAY 9 JULY | 6.00pm SATURDAY 18 - FRIDAY 24 JULY ST JOHN’S WATERLOO ANGHIARI, TUSCANY Simon Over conductor Music abounds from every piazza, church and cloister of this Tuscan hill-town during our annual In the last Rush Hour before the summer holiday, residency at the Anghiari Festival. A highlight of the the sunshine of Italy is brought to London for year for many supporters and friends, an incredible one evening only as we preview a selection of variety of orchestral, choral and chamber music is the music to be performed during the orchestra’s complemented by stunning views, divine food and forthcoming visit to Italy. informal charm away from the tourist trail. Each day you’ll be offered a new selection of classical music to enjoy up close, while we are WALTON’S ISCHIA thrilled to be joined by acclaimed guest artists including the Allegri Quartet. THURSDAY 16 JULY | 9.00pm GIARDINI LA MORTELLA, ISCHIA For further information, visit southbanksinfonia.co.uk or contact Ellie Greenhalgh on 020 7921 0370 or Walton Crown Imperial [email protected] R Strauss Horn Concerto No.1 Mendelssohn Symphony No.4 ‘Italian’ Simon Over conductor Stephen Craigen horn William Walton’s idyllic Mediterranean home provides a stunning venue for this concert, with a breathtaking backdrop of the bay of Naples. Southbank Sinfonia’s Stephen Craigen performs Strauss’ youthful first Horn Concerto, written when the composer was just 18, while a dose of British patriotism comes from Walton’s majestic Crown Imperial.

27 STILL TO COME: DATES TO NOTE AUTUMN 2015 Autumn holds many highlights of the Southbank Sinfonia year and promises to RUSH HOUR #14: FREE bring the 2015 programme to a rousing AMERICA conclusion. Alongside the dates to note on THURSDAY 1 OCTOBER | 6.00pm this page, we look forward to operatic projects ST JOHN’S WATERLOO which will see the orchestra perform in two fully staged productions. John Wilson conductor In September, our long-standing collaboration One of the UK’s leading and most popular with British Youth Opera continues as our conductors, fresh from six years of sold-out players join forces with their young operatic BBC Proms performances, returns with an counterparts. October then sees Southbank all-American programme set to include Sinfonia in the pit at the Royal Opera Barber, Copland and more. Photo: Sim Canetty-Clarke Wilson John House’s Linbury Theatre, accompanying the exceptional Jette Parker Young Artists and once again proving that the future of opera is bright. SOUTHBANK SINFONIA FAMILY CONCERT GRAND FINALE Further details will be revealed throughout the year at southbanksinfonia.co.uk SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER | 11.00am THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER CADOGAN HALL, LONDON ST JOHN’S WATERLOO In our final Family Concert of the year, Simon Over conductor experience the thrill of one of Prokofiev’s greatest works with our players acting as your As our 2015 players complete their expert guides. Southbank Sinfonia journey, join us to celebrate their achievements this year in a Ideal for children aged 5 - 11 special gala concert. The programme will be Programme includes: specially chosen by Simon and the players themselves. Prokofiev Symphony No.1 ‘Classical’ Further information will be announced in May Tickets £5 children, £10 adults, £25 family of four Priority booking for supporters Cadogan Hall Box Office cadoganhall.com | 020 7730 4500 To book, contact Ellie Greenhalgh on 020 7921 0370 or [email protected]

28 WATCHING THE FUTURE, NOW

This year’s orchestra joins a group of 385 The true impact of Southbank Sinfonia is sharing insights with their successors and musicians for whom the Southbank Sinfonia incalculable: alongside work with professional enabling us to perform invigorating large- experience has provided a springboard to orchestras and opera companies, former scale repertoire. exciting futures. Since 2002, the opportunities members become distinguished chamber Listed below are just some achievements of offered to hundreds of talented graduates have musicians and inspirational leaders in music our alumni, not to mention the dozens who provided much needed fuel to help propel them education. regularly perform with their own chamber into the profession. Many also pursue exciting musical ventures groups, as busy freelance musicians, or who Today, former members occupy prominent seats of their own, using the experience and are currently trialling with the top orchestras. in leading orchestras throughout the world. From opportunities provided during their time with the Philharmonia to the Melbourne Symphony, us to lift their careers to even greater heights. each proudly acknowledges the positive impact They also continue to play a valued role in that Southbank Sinfonia has made upon their the life of Southbank Sinfonia, frequently progress. returning to play as deputies and extras,

Principal Flute, BBC NOW Violin, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra Co-Principal Violin, Manchester Camerata Flute, Scottish Opera Cello, Orchestra of the Age ofBass, Enlightenment Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Violin, Royal Northern BBC Scottish Sinfonia Symphony Orchestra Viola, BBC National Orchestra of Wales Violin, BBC Concert Orchestra Violin, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra Viola, BBC Viola, Symphony Scottish Violin, OperaOrchestra Royal LiverpoolViolin, Philharmonic Philharmonia Viola, Orchestra OrchestraBBC National Orchestra of Wales Trumpet, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Cello, Royal Philharmonic Violin, Orchestra BBC Scottish Symphony OrchestraViolin, HalléViolin, English National OperaOboe, Royal Scottish National Orchestra Principal Clarinet, BBC Symphony Orchestra Violin, RoyalPrincipal Liverpool Bass, PhilharmonicAurora Orchestra Orchestra Viola, Philharmonia &Orchestra Academy Viola, of Philharmonia St Martin in Orchestrathe Viola, Fields City of Birmingham SymphonyClarinet, OrchestraViolin, Academy Welsh of National St Martin Opera in the Fields Bassoon, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Viola, Opera North Viola, Horn, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Cello, London Philharmonic Orchestra

SophieAnna Appleton BanaszkiewiczAlice BattySarah BenningtonRichardEllen Blake BlytheLeslie BoulinJames BurkeRaulet Sam BurstinSarah ChapmanAbbey EdlinAmy FawcettMatthewNicola Featherstone BenGleed GriffithsDavid LaleTom LesselsJulia LoucksPeter MallinsonShelaghNiamh McKail OlgaMolloy MuszynskaRustomAlice Pomeroy RickardsHelenaEmma Roques LauraSelby SinnertonAndrewHannah SkidmoreClaire Smith MatthewSterlingAnthony WatsonAnne Williams WilsonAdrian Wilson 29 SUPPORT US BECOME A FRIEND Join our family of supporters with a monthly From January to October, our players embark donation of £10 (Continuo), £20 (Ripieno) or £35 on a journey like no other orchestra. You can (Obbligato) and enjoy exciting opportunities to get observe it from the sidelines, or you can join closer to the music. Experience a uniquely close them and be a part of the experience yourself. rapport with the orchestra, from attending a private From auditions onwards, Southbank Sinfonia rehearsal to taking a seat inside the orchestra, supporters enjoy a uniquely close association whilst making a real difference to their journey. with the orchestra, following their progress every step of the way, watching them grow in talent and confidence, discovering – alongside the players JOIN OUR MAESTRO themselves – how an orchestra really works, and SUPPORTERS seeing first-hand the value of their investment to Relish a truly individual association with the young people who really need it. For many, it’s this orchestra by becoming a Maestro Supporter. With inclusive atmosphere that makes supporting the a minimum annual donation of £1,001, Maestro orchestra so worthwhile. Supporters share our Music Director Simon Over’s As a registered charity, each and every donation passion for helping exceptional young musicians to helps us to continue our programme of activity fulfil their potential. In return, they receive personal and propel us to even greater heights. We truly updates from Simon on the orchestra’s progress, value your friendship and support, and whatever opportunities to get to know the musicians and your personal interest, there are many ways we recognition for their support. can create a unique and rewarding association for you with the orchestra. ADOPT A PLAYER By ‘adopting’ a player, you don’t have to take them home but can make a real difference to their prospects, directly supporting the cost of their participation in the programme. In turn, you can follow their individual journey into the profession, get to know them and take personal pride in their accomplishments along the way as they keep you personally updated on their progress. Your gesture is equally valued by Southbank Sinfonia and you will not only enjoy all the benefits offered to our other supporters, but be individually recognised as one of our closest Benefactors.

30 SUPPORT OUR RUSH HOURS CHALLENGE YOURSELF Week after week, our entirely free Rush Hour Each year our players fearlessly embrace a Concert Series draws an enthusiastic and host of creative challenges. Challenge yourself diverse audience. You might like to sponsor to do the same and help us raise vital funds one of our Rush Hours for a special occasion, for Southbank Sinfonia. You might like to take as a group of friends, or simply because you on a marathon, represent us at RideLondon, believe in the worth of classical music for all. If tackle a Grade One challenge or host a your company offers a match-funding scheme, fundraising event of your own - there are many you could make our donation buckets go even ways to get involved and we’ll be with you every further by helping us fundraise on the night. Or step of the way. perhaps your society might enjoy an evening of music together with a complimentary glass of wine and further opportunities for hospitality. MAKE A LASTING DIFFERENCE The impact that Southbank Sinfonia has on the lives of its young musicians can last a lifetime. GET YOUR ORGANISATION When you come to write or revisit your Will, INVOLVED perhaps you might consider if there is a place If you are part of a company that shares our for Southbank Sinfonia amongst your plans. commitment to helping others fulfil their Any gesture, no matter what size, can make a potential and operates beyond the traditional huge difference and collectively we can ensure boundaries associated with your profession, that Southbank Sinfonia continues to help we can create a rewarding partnership bringing young musicians for generations to come. Southbank Sinfonia’s dedication, team spirit and imagination to your workplace. If you are involved in a trust or foundation that believes To find out more, visit in the limitless potential of young people, you southbanksinfonia.co.uk could make an invaluable contribution to any aspect of our work, helping us to innovate and Or contact Charlotte Castle, our inspire more people with music. Deputy Development Director on 020 7921 0377 or [email protected]

31 a dashing ensemble who play with “exhilarating fizz, exactness and stamina The Times ”

southbanksinfonia.co.uk Southbank Sinfonia @SouthbankSinf

Southbank Sinfonia is a registered charity No.1092461 Design Matt Belcher Feature Photography Belinda Lawley and Matt Belcher showing members of the 2014 and 2015 orchestras