A European Journey

Ely Sinfonia

A EUROPEAN JOURNEY

Ely Cathedral

Saturday April 29th 2023

7.30pm

Beethoven                       The Coriolan Overture

Respighi                           The Birds

Tchaikovsky                     Symphony no 6 (Pathétique).

Steve Bingham, conductor

Ely Sinfonia

Come with us on an exploration of musical expression in a programme whose themes stretch from the birth of modern civilisation up to the modern era.

We start in ancient Rome for Beethoven’s magnificent Coriolan Overture and the story of Roman leader Gaius Marcius Coriolanus, depicted by Shakespeare (and Beethoven) as a lone man bucking the system as he relinquishes his war-like tendencies in favour of greater tenderness before killing himself. 

We then move into the Italian countryside, where in 1928 Ottorino Respighi turned the song, fluttering wings and scratching feet of birds into orchestral music.  Based on music from the 17th and 18th-century, Respighi’s glorious piece brings out the unique sounds of the dove, the hen, the nightingale and the cuckoo.

Finally we come to Tchaikovsky’s passionate and ever popular sixth symphony, Pathétique, which despite its name is full of excitement and energy, and was described by the composer many times as “the best thing I ever composed or shall compose”.

Tickets start at £10 and are available from Ely Cathedral Box Office (Tel 01353 660349), email boxoffice@elycathedral.org.uk or online.

Further information from https://www.facebook.com/events/3391168831168731.

By kind permission of the Dean and Chapter

www.elysinfonia.co.uk registered charity number 1161642