| Sunday 07 December 2025 | 17:00 |
| Smyth, Dame Ethel (1858-1944) | Fantasio: Overture (UK première) | |
| Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770-1827) | Violin Concerto in D major, Op.61 | |
| Sibelius, Jean (1865-1957) | Symphony no. 5 in E flat major, Op.82 |
| Sharon Zhou | Violin |
| Peter Fender | Conductor |
| Angel Orchestra |
The English composer Ethel Smyth composed six operas. The first of those, Fantasio, was performed in Germany during Smyth's lifetime, but has never again been seen or heard. This performance of the newly edited overture is therefore a UK première. The overture, like the homonymous play by Alfred de Musset, is full of fun, energy and a little quirkiness! Not to be missed!
There follows one of the all-time great violin concertos, played by rising young violinist Sharon Zhou, full of great tunes, excitement, pathos and contentment - a piece to gladden the heart!
And finally we have the sounds of Nordic land and sea-scapes by that master of atmosphere, Jean Sibelius. The wonderful final movement tune is supported by a memorable, recurring, horn section motif - inspired by the sound of swan-calls, and an instance when the composer witnessed sixteen of them taking flight at once!
