HAYDN, WAGNER and BEETHOVEN

Ely Sinfonia

Ely Sinfonia returns from lockdown with a  concert of classics by Wagner, Haydn and Beethoven.

The concert starts with the highly evocative Siegfried Idyll. Ever the romantic, Wagner composed this as a birthday gift to Cosima, his wife, following the birth of their son Siegfried.  Its delicious strains were first performed as she woke on her birthday, December 25th.

Rising British cello star, Joshua Lynch, joins the orchestra to play Haydn's witty, lyrical Cello Concerto No 2 in D major.  Cambridge-based Joshua is a prolific soloist, chamber musician and teacher.  He has performed in some of the UK's most prestigious venues and at  the Leeds International Concert Series.

Arguably the best nineteenth century work for cello and orchestra, Haydn’s Cello Concerto in D major is something of an enigma.  Its authenticity was doubted for a while, but while apparently more relaxed and easy-going than the Cello Concerto in C major, it is technically much more difficult, demanding virtuoso playing from the soloist.  It is been recorded by some of the world's best-known cello players, such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Jacqueline du Pré and Steven Isserlis.

Beethoven’s Symphony no 1 was an immediate success although somewhat unfairly criticised for its excessive use of wind instruments.  Since then it has justifiably been one of his most popular works: it is simply magnificent.

Social distancing rules apply and masks will be required.  Tickets cost £20 from Ely Cathedral Box Office tel 01353 660349, email box.office@elycathedral.org or online.