'Wonderful soloist' will boost autumn concerts by talented Harrogate chamber orchestra

Harrogate Philharmonic Orchestra is to launch its autumn season this weekend with two very different works full of drama and character.

Taking place on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, the Philharmonic are delighted to be joined by the wonderful Richard Fletcher as soloist for Schumann’s Violin Concerto.

One of Schumann’s last major compositions, the concerto has a fascinating history: written in 1853, it remained unheard in public for more than 80 years.

Today it offers a chance to hear a more unusual side of Schumann which is powerful, lyrical and deeply expressive.

Harrogate Philharmonic Orchestra will also be performing excerpts from Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, one of classical music’s great feats of musical storytelling.

Inspired by an exhibition of paintings and designs by Viktor Hartmann, the music takes us from playful and bustling scenes to dark catacombs and the spectacular Great Gate of Kyiv.

Harrogate Philharmonic Orchestra, Saturday, October 10, 7.30pm, St Mark’s Church, Harrogate.

Harrogate Philharmonic Orchestra, Sunday, October 11, 3pm, St John the Baptist Church, Easingwold.

Harrogate Philharmonic Orchestra is a chamber orchestra of about 32 regular players drawn from professional and trained musicians from a wide area which is committed to exploring a wide range of orchestral music from the 17th century to now.

The orchestra hold rehearsals on consecutive Fridays prior to concerts at the Friend's Meeting House on Queen Parade in Harrogate.