Leader - Zuzanna Edmonds

We begin with the Karelia Suite which was the first major triumph of Sibelius as a composer and has been a regular concert favourite ever since its first performance in 1893.

Weber's ever-popular Bassoon Concerto in F major was written in a mere four days in 1811 and we are delighted to welcome Greg Topping as our soloist.  An accomplished player and member of the Ulster Orchestra, Greg has recently played a key role in the success of the "To Bassoon and Beyond" collaboration between the EA Music Service and the Ulster Orchestra which was recognised as the Classic FM Best Music Learning Initiative in 2023.

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No.4 begins with one of the most arresting and dramatic openings in all of symphonic literature as the composer depicts the inexorable power of Fate with stunning fanfares by the brass and winds.  Written following a turbulent period in his personal life, the first performance was given in 1878.