Sutton Symphony Orchestra returns to All Saints Church, Carshalton on Saturday 30th June with an all-American programme full of jazzy rhythms, pioneer spirit and more percussion than you can shake a stick at.
Celebrating the centenary of Leonard Bernstein, the overture to Candide is first up. Based on Voltaire's satire of the same name, it is witty, full of vitality and cleverly scored.
Rhapsody in Blue follows with soloist Mariko Brown, winner of the Lutine Prize and Professor at the Junior Guildhall. There can scarcely be a more recognisable opening to a piece than the clarinet glissando and what follows is basically a single movement jazz concerto incorporating different styles from ragtime to Cuban via the Charleston.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Copland's 4 Dance Episodes from his ballet Rodeo follow and provide a cowgirl meets cowboy take on traditional American folksongs.
Then Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story take centre stage. These retell the story of the Jets and Sharks aka Montagues and Capulets in highlights, each dance of a different style with rumba, mambo, cha cha and jazz fugue thrown in along with a myriad of percussion including a policeman's whistle, cowbells, bongos and pretty much anything else you can think of.
Symphonic Dances show off Bernstein at his best with detailed and intelligently worked out harmonies that convey the emotional rollercoaster ride that is West Side Story.
7.30pm start, tickets from https://www.wegottickets.com/event/437459 or on the door: adults £10, under 18s free.
Sutton Symphony Orchestra (Conductor Philip Aslangul, Leader Annmarie McDade) rehearses on a Tuesday evening and provides an opportunity for local musicians to perform ambitious orchestral works. SSO performs 3 concerts per year. If you are interested in joining, get in touch: http://www.suttonsymphonyorchestra.org/contact-us/
