Royal & Derngate Orchestral Season 15/16

ORCHESTRAL SEASON 2015/2016 WITH THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

SUBSCRIBE TO A SEASON OF WORLD-CLASS MUSIC AND ENJOY UP TO 25% OFF TICKET PRICES

“THE RPO DO SENSUOUSNESS UNCOMMONLY WELL… RICH YET DELICATE, WITH WONDERFULLY LIQUID WOOD-WIND SOLOS AND AN EXQUISITE SHEEN ON THE STRINGS” THE GUARDIAN

WELCOME TO THE 2015/16 ORCHESTRAL SEASON AT ROYAL & DERNGATE We are delighted to present our upcoming season of outstanding classical performances at Royal & Derngate.

The season includes six concerts by our resident orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, this year celebrating their 70th anniversary. These commence in November with an exciting performance of compositions inspired by the cities of Paris and New York, conducted by the Orchestra’s Principal Associate Conductor Alexander Shelley. We will journey to a mysterious and faraway land when conductor Alan Buribayev leads the Orchestra in the tale of One Thousand And One Nights in RimskyKorsakov’s colourful, epic Scheherazade in February. We then travel even further in June, when Holst’s beautiful and mystifying The Planets is performed by the Orchestra. A film created by NASA and award‑winning producer/director Duncan Copp, featuring the latest high definition planetary images of NASA’s exploration of the solar system, will be shown on a huge screen above the stage in this unmissable, multi‑sensory event.

Soloists through the season include the audience favourite, cellist Gautier Capuçon, the supremely talented pianist Alexandra Dariescu and the mesmerising violinist Anna-Liisa Bezrodny. We are also thrilled to welcome the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Artistic Director, Charles Dutoit, one of today’s most sought-after conductors.

The autumn is complemented, in October, by the 10th Annual Malcolm Arnold Festival, celebrating the music of the prolific Northampton born composer. This year the festival features two evening performances, including a very special concert from the BBC Concert Orchestra with the great Peter Donohoe as soloist.

Our Subscribe & Save packages enable you to make great savings on your tickets for the season, as well as enjoying other fantastic benefits. In addition, our Real Discounts scheme enables young people aged 14 to 26 to come to any concert for just £11, while tickets for under 14s are just £5.

We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting new season of concerts.

Martin Sutherland Chief Executive

Book four or more concerts in our new classical season and save up to 25% on your tickets.

By subscribing, you can also enjoy: • A priority booking period before seats are released for general sale • A free programme at every concert, when booking for all seven concerts • A no-fuss ticket exchange option allowing you to exchange your tickets for an alternative concert in the season if your plans change • A flexible payment method with the option of spreading out the cost of your subscription over a four-month period You also pay no transaction fee on your subscription season booking

3

THE ANNUAL MALCOLM ARNOLD FESTIVAL SAT 17 & SUN 18 OCTOBER

BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA WITH PETER DONOHOE SAT 17 OCTOBER 7.30PM Malcolm Arnold Philharmonic Concerto Malcolm Arnold John Field Fantasy Malcolm Arnold 7th Symphony Conductor Martin Yates Soloist Peter Donohoe BBC Concert Orchestra We are delighted to welcome the BBC Concert Orchestra to Royal & Derngate, performing as part of the Annual Malcolm Arnold Festival.

THE ANNUAL MALCOLM ARNOLD FESTIVAL GALA CONCERT: REACHING ACROSS THE GLOBE SUN 18 OCTOBER 7.30PM Malcolm Arnold Commonwealth Festival Overture Gershwin Rhapsody In Blue Albeniz arr. Arnold Tango Malcolm Arnold Saxophone Concerto Malcolm Arnold Scottish Dances Dvořák New World Symphony

The Orchestra will be conducted by Martin Yates, with the great Peter Donohoe as soloist.

The programme will exactly match Martin and Peter’s recent recording for the Dutton label and comprise the Philharmonic Concerto, John Field Fantasy and the 7th Symphony.

Conductor John Gibbons Worthing Symphony Orchestra

Neither the Philharmonic Concerto nor the John Field Fantasy have been performed at the festival before and both are fascinating, intriguing, and important works. The mighty 7th Symphony has been hailed by many as the greatest symphony by a twentieth century British composer. It is without doubt a great masterpiece and has been likened to the best of Shostakovich.

The programme is conducted by John Gibbons and features the Worthing Symphony Orchestra (The Malcolm Arnold Festival Orchestra), alongside the BBC Young Musician of the Year 2014, Martin James Bartlett playing Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue, and woodwind finalist and winner of the Walter Todds award, Jess Gillam performing Arnold’s Saxophone Concerto.

This very special Gala Concert celebrates the 10th Malcolm Arnold Festival and the theme this year is A Gesture Of Friendship.

See page 14 for details

4 l Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

ALEXANDER SHELLEY CONDUCTS ‘FROM PARIS TO NEW YORK’ SUN 8 NOVEMBER 2015 7.30PM Gershwin Strike Up The Band Overture Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.3 Gershwin Variations on ‘I Got Rhythm’ Bernstein Symphonic Dances From West Side Story Stravinsky Suite For Small Orchestra No.2 Gershwin An American In Paris Conductor Alexander Shelley Soloist Boris Giltburg Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

See page 14 for details

Writing masterpieces on opposite sides of the world, the four composers featured in this concert’s programme were inspired by two great cities, Paris and New York, and are among the most celebrated of the 20th Century.

lyricism, while Gershwin’s An American In Paris bursts with enthusiasm and excitement. The concert also includes a homage to the bright lights of Broadway with Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances From West Side Story.

Although each of these composers is known for their distinct styles, their music has one unifying characteristic in common: thrilling, irresistible rhythm. Prokofiev’s fiendishly difficult Piano Concerto No.3 reaches heights of almost frightening brilliance, juxtaposed against earthy

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Principal Associate Conductor, Alexander Shelley, leads this programme, one that balances driving intensity with the playful humour for which these cities are known.

FREE Pre-Concert Talk 6.30pm With Alexander Shelley 5

ALAN BURIBAYEV CONDUCTS SCHEHERAZADE

CHARLES DUTOIT CONDUCTS DVOŘÁK SAT 2 APRIL 2016 7.30PM

SUN 21 FEBRUARY 2016 7.30PM

Wagner Strike Up The Band Overture Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade Conductor Alan Buribayev Violin Anna-Liisa Bezrodny Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Journey to a mysterious, faraway land as conductor Alan Buribayev leads the Orchestra in the tale of One Thousand And One Nights in Rimsky-Korsakov’s colourful, epic Scheherazade.

The storm-tossed Overture that opens tonight’s concert raises the curtain on one of Wagner’s most searingly dramatic creations from a composer described either as a ‘megalomaniac’ or ‘the Master’ whose revolutionary style took the world by storm.

Performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto is the outstanding violinist Anna-Liisa Bezrodny, who “plays with white heat, thrillingly, combined with superb technique” (Classicalsource.com).

Considered one of the most technically difficult works for the violin, the concerto culminates in one of the most thrilling finales in the classical repertoire.

Tchaikovsky Eugene Onegin (Polonaise) Dvořák Cello Concerto Dvořák Symphony No.9, ‘From The New World’ Conductor Charles Dutoit Cello Gautier Capuçon Royal Philharmonic Orchestra This is a rare opportunity to hear the Orchestra conducted by their Artistic Director Charles Dutoit, here in Northampton. Captivating audiences throughout the world, Charles Dutoit is one of today’s most sought-after conductors, and he will lead the Orchestra in a concert of outstanding pieces.

Performed by audience favourite Gautier Capuçon and brimming over with wonderful tunes and short motifs filled with character, Dvořák’s Cello Concerto changed the musical world’s perception of the cello as a solo instrument.

With the rich, lush sounds of Romanticism, inspiration for Dvořák’s Symphony No.9, ‘From The New World’ was inspired not only by the Native American and African-American music he heard, but also the ‘wide open spaces’ he saw in America.

See page 14 for details See page 14 for details

6 l Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

THE PLANETS: AN HD ODYSSEY SUN 26 JUNE 2016 7.30PM Strauss Also Sprach Zarathustra: Opening Strauss II Blue Danube Waltz Bach arr. Stokowski Prelude And Fugue In D Minor Beethoven Symphony No. 7: Allegretto Williams Star Wars: Main Theme Holst The Planets Conductor Robert Ziegler Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Watch in awe as Holst’s beautiful and mystifying suite The Planets is performed by the Orchestra, while a film created in collaboration with NASA and award-winning producer/director Duncan Copp is shown on a 24-feet screen above the stage.

See page 14 for details

This exciting multi-sensory event is preceded by outstanding pieces of classical music that are synonymous with outer space, including Strauss II’s Blue Danube Waltz, featured in 2001: A Space Odyssey, and John Williams’ iconic Star Wars Theme.

The multimedia event features the latest highdefinition planetary images of NASA’s exploration of the solar system brought to life in vivid form with the orchestra’s performance of Holst’s The Planets.

FREE Pre-Concert Talk 6.30pm With Robert Ziegler

7

ALEXANDRA DARIESCU PERFORMS RACHMANINOV

THE LAST NIGHT OF THE DERNGATE PROMS

SUN 15 MAY 2016 7.30PM

SUN 17 JULY 2016 7.30PM

Humperdink Hansel & Gretel Overture Rachmaninov Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini Beethoven Symphony No.5 Conductor Fabien Gabel Piano Alexandra Dariescu Royal Philharmonic Orchestra The legend that the violin virtuoso Paganini sold his soul to the devil, in order to become legendary, has inspired numerous composers, including Brahms and Andrew Lloyd Webber, but one of the finest variations of the theme is considered to be Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini. Performed by the supremely talented Alexandra Dariescu, who wowed audiences with her performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.21 at Royal & Derngate in 2014, this piece ranges from ghostly stirrings to demonic marches, soft light-heartedness to scintillating wit.

This springtime concert opens with Humperdink’s dreamy Hansel And Gretel Overture, which firmly establishes the mood of his enchanted tale. Closing the concert will be one of the most instantly recognisable pieces of classical music, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

Opening with four imposing chords, this piece has been sampled in every genre, from rock to disco, and here is your chance to hear it in its full glory.

Tchaikovsky Sleeping Beauty Waltz Suppé Light Cavalry Overture Elgar Enigma Variations: Nimrod Wood Fantasia On British Sea Songs (Tom Bowling And Hornpipe) Arne Rule, Britannia!

Parry Jerusalem Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No.1 and many more!

Conductor John Rigby Soprano Deborah Norman Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Let the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra kickstart your summer with the ultimate British spectacular. The Last Night Of The Derngate Proms extravaganza will be full of pomp and circumstance, celebrating the best of British music, plus many more well-loved classical masterpieces, popular arias and Proms favourites.

Led by conductor and presenter John Rigby, we encourage you to get your Union Jacks ready for what promises to be a world class performance of the music that you know and love, providing the perfect closing to this exciting season.

FREE Pre-Concert Talk 6.30pm With Alexandra Dariescu

See page 14 for details

8 l Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

See page 14 for details

RELATED ACTIVITIES FREE PRE-CONCERT TALKS We are delighted to welcome back BBC Radio Northampton’s John Griff as the host of our hugely popular free pre-concert talks. They take place at 6.30pm in the auditorium prior to the evening’s performance, at selected concerts. This season, join us for the following: Sun 8 November 6.30pm Alexander Shelley Sun 15 May 6.30pm Alexandra Dariescu

John Griff

Sun 26 June 6.30pm Robert Ziegler

FAMILY WORKSHOPS All performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are accompanied by sessions that are designed for Early Years (2-5 year olds) and Juniors (6-13 year olds). These sessions include songs, musical games and a chance to talk to the players about what life is really like in the Orchestra. There is also the chance to create your very own piece together. Be warned however, adults will need to join in too! No instrumental skills are necessary, but if you can play, please do bring along your instrument.

For more information please visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk or call Box Office on 01604 624811.

These projects are provided in conjunction with Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust and Orchestras Live

9

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS TRUST We continue to work closely with Northamptonshire Music And Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT) and host regular concerts by their talented young performers throughout the year in the Derngate auditorium. Their more informal pre‑show Music Shots are also enjoyed by audiences free of charge in the foyer before our Orchestral Season concerts. Look out for their forthcoming performances, which include NMPAT Youth In Concert on Sun 15 November at 6pm.

We recently spoke to two former NMPAT members who have gone on to become members of our resident orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Andrew Fletcher has played with the Orchestra for almost 15 years and James Fountain joined this year.

ANDREW FLETCHER: FRENCH HORN When did you join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra?

I first played with the RPO in 1994 and joined as a member in 2000.

What is being a member of the RPO like?

It was always my ambition to be part of a horn section in a major British orchestra, and with the RPO I get to play a wide range of music; from classical to songs from shows, film and even rock music. And we regularly perform in China, the United States, Mexico, Canada, and much of Europe too.

When were you a member of NMPAT? I started playing aged 10 and progressed through the Northamptonshire music system before going on to study at music college in London. During my time in the youth orchestra I made many friends and played some great music. We had fun on residential courses at Grendon, and toured Germany, Austria and Belgium. I remember an occasion where we played dozens of overtures in a day as a means of fundraising – a huge blow

for all the brass. I also remember participating in a massed youth concert to celebrate the opening of the new Derngate Concert Hall in 1983.

What piece of advice would you offer to young musicians?

I would say practice hard, and listen to as much music as possible, live or recorded.

What are your favourite pieces to play?

I really enjoy playing anything by Richard Strauss who writes fantastic, challenging horn parts, and also The Rite Of Spring by Stravinsky which I have played many times and recorded with Boulez conducting. And I can’t miss Mahler out as his is amongst the most romantic and exciting music we play.

What are you looking forward to performing in the Royal & Derngate Orchestral Season 2015/16 and why?

There’s some fantastic music to come and hear in the forthcoming season. I’m relishing the prospect of playing an evening of American music with our new Associate Conductor Alexander Shelley, and next summer the Orchestra will perform Holst’s Planet Suite, which we all love playing.

10 l Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

JAMES FOUNTAIN: PRINCIPAL TRUMPET When did you join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra?

I joined the Orchestra officially in January 2015.

What is being a member of the RPO like?

It’s a tremendous privilege and one that for me hasn’t quite sunk in yet. Every day, to get to come to work with the tremendous musicians of the RPO is a complete honour!

When were you a member of NMPAT? I was a member of NMPAT from the ages of 11 to 18 and started in 2004/5 in the County Training Brass Band. I spent many years in the County Youth Brass Band (CYBB) before spending a year in the County Orchestra.

Tell us about your experiences in NMPAT. One of my favourite memories would have to be touring in 2009 with the CYBB. We went to Hungary and I was only about 14 at the time, it was one of the first times I’d been away on my own and we had such a good time as a band. We performed in some amazing venues and it’s a trip I’ll never forget.

What piece of advice would you offer to young musicians?

Try everything! Any musical opportunity that comes your way, just go with it and experience as many different types of music as you can.

When I was growing up I only ever played in brass bands and I wish I had been more involved in the different types of music that I’ve now fallen in love with, such as orchestral music and jazz music.

What are your favourite pieces to play?

I really like Stravinsky’s Firebird, it’s a brilliant piece of music with some nice loud bits for trumpet. I also love Copland’s Quiet City For Trumpet, Cor Anglais And Orchestra which I’ll be performing with the RPO at the Eric Whitacre Prom in August. And of course, I love the Mahler and Strauss Symphonies for their epic trumpet part.

What are you looking forward to performing in the Orchestra Season 2015/16 and why?

We have some very exciting concerts this season at Royal & Derngate and, being from Northamptonshire, I look forward to every single one. However, I’m looking forward in particular to the From Paris To New York concert because I love playing West Side Story. It’s always amazing to work with Charles Dutoit so the concert on Saturday 2 April will be fantastic. But most of all I think I’m looking forward to The Planets: An HD Odyssey with Robert Ziegler. The programme looks really special and I kind of wish I was on the other side watching!

UPCOMING NMPAT CONCERTS YOUTH IN CONCERT

ORCHESTRA SPECTACULAR WIND BAND SPECTACULAR

SUN 15 NOVEMBER 6PM

SUN 6 MARCH 2016 6PM

SUN 13 MARCH 2016 6PM

For more information about Northamptonshire Music And Performing Arts Trust visit www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/music or call 01604 637117.

11

COMING SOON TO ROYAL & DERNGATE

THE MOUSETRAP MON 7 – SAT 12 SEPTEMBER The 60th anniversary production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre, is back in Northampton by popular demand.

RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY TUE 20 & WED 21 OCTOBER Celebrating its 20th year, the company returns with Nomadic, mixing Asian-influenced, traditional Romani singing with the toughness of an urban beat, plus two more works showcasing Alston’s sensational choreography.

HAIRSPRAY MON 28 SEPTEMBER – SAT 3 OCTOBER A brand new production of the smash-hit musical comedy starring Claire Sweeney, Tony Maudsley, Brenda Edwards and Peter Duncan.

“WITH ITS SOFT HEART AND STIFF HAIR, IT STILL PROVES A TREAT” MAIL ON SUNDAY

REBECCA MON 9 – SAT 14 NOVEMBER Award-winning director Emma Rice and celebrated company Kneehigh Theatre have created a spellbinding new production of Daphne du Maurier’s masterpiece, which conjures Cornish romance and theatrical magic.

THE STORY OF FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS

CINDERELLA FRI 11 DECEMBER 2015 – SUN 3 JANUARY 2016 Join us at the most popular and spectacular pantomime of them all, Cinderella! Starring John Partridge, (EastEnders), Sid Sloane,(CBeebies) and Britain’s Got Talent’s Danny Posthill and Alison Jiear.

JERSEY BOYS TUE 26 JANUARY – SAT 6 FEBRUARY 2016 The Broadway and West End phenomenon tells the true life story of four boys from the wrong side of the tracks who wrote their own songs, invented their own unique sound, and sold 175 million records worldwide.

12 l Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

MADE IN NORTHAMPTON BRAVE NEW WORLD

GASLIGHT

FRI 4 – SAT 26 SEPTEMBER Aldous Huxley’s ground‑breaking novel, adapted for the stage for the first time by Dawn King, opens at Royal & Derngate before a major national tour.

“A BRILLIANT TOUR-DEFORCE” THE OBSERVER ON BRAVE NEW WORLD

FRI 16 OCTOBER – SAT 7 NOVEMBER Patrick Hamilton’s classic mystery thriller, directed

by Lucy Bailey (Baby Doll, The Postman Always Rings Twice and Dial M For Murder).

THE HERBAL BED

THE SNOW QUEEN

FRI 5 – SAT 27 FEBRUARY The secret life of Shakespeare’s daughter is explored in Peter Whelan’s emotional thriller, based upon real events from Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer of 1613.

WED 25 NOVEMBER 2015 – SUN 3 JANUARY 2016 For Christmas in the Royal this year, we are delighted to be staging an enchanting, festive new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, The Snow Queen.

THE ELO EXPERIENCE

GARETH MALONE

THU 24 SEPTEMBER The ELO Experience takes you on a musical journey through time, featuring a stunning light show and large screen projection, and many of ELO’s greatest hits, including 10538 Overture, Evil Woman, Living Thing and Mr Blue Sky.

TUE 24 NOVEMBER Get ready to sing from your seat as Gareth Malone, the UK’s favourite choirmaster is joined by his fabulous choir.

JOOLS HOLLAND

SINATRA CENTENARY

MUSIC

WED 25 NOVEMBER Jools Holland returns this year for an intimate show accompanied by special guests, including KT Tunstall, and the unforgettable sound of his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

FRI 27 NOVEMBER Celebrate the 100th birthday of Frank Sinatra with this special concert from the London Concert Orchestra and special guests. Songs featured include Come Fly With Me, The Lady Is A Tramp and I’ve Got You Under My Skin.

13

HOW TO BOOK Follow these simple steps to make your booking for the 2015/2016 Orchestral Season.

4. Complete all of the details on a booking form – remember to highlight on the form if you subscribed to the season last year.

1. Decide how many concerts you would like to see (you need to choose four or more to qualify for discounts).

5. Return your booking form, along with your details and payment or direct debit mandate.

All subscriptions are dealt with by booking form only during the priority period. Please complete the form and return either by post or by hand to Box Office. You can also email your form to RPO@royalandderngate.co.uk. Forms will be processed in the order in which they are received.

2. Choose where you would like to sit using the seating plan opposite and note the corresponding price band.

3. Check the subscription table below for the price you will pay per ticket – savings this year reach 25% per ticket and you can also save on your booking for the BBC Concert Orchestra as a subscriber by adding it as a ‘bolt-on’.

Booking forms are available from our Box Office and are downloadable from our website.

STANDARD PRICES Price band

Individual ticket prices

BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA

4 concerts 10% off

5 concerts 15% off

6 concerts 20% off

7 concerts 25% off

When booking in conjunction with Sun 18 October

When not booking in conjunction with Sun 18 October £20

Per ticket price A

£34.50

£31.05

£29.33

£27.60

£25.88

£15

B

£32

£28.80

£27.20

£25.60

£24.00

£12

£17

C

£29

£26.10

£24.65

£23.20

£21.75

£10

£15

D

£27

£24.30

£22.95

£21.60

£20.25

£8

£12

E

£23

£20.70

£19.55

£18.40

£17.25

£6

£10

F

£15

£13.50

£12.75

£12

£11.25

£6

£10

CONCESSION PRICES 60+, Groups 10+, Disabled Patrons, Friends, Gold Supporters Price band

Individual ticket prices

BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA

4 concerts 10% off

5 concerts 15% off

6 concerts 20% off

7 concerts 25% off

Per ticket price

When booking in conjunction with Sun 18 October

When not booking in conjunction with Sun 18 October

A

£32.50

£29.25

£27.63

£26

£24.38

£13

£18

B

£30

£27

£25.50

£24

£22.50

£10

£15

C

£27

£24.30

£22.95

£21.60

£20.25

£8

£13

D

£25

£22.50

£21.25

£20

£18.75

£6

£10

E

£23

£20.70

£19.55

£18.40

£17.25

£6

£10

F

£15

£13.50

£12.75

£12

£11.25

£6

£10

OTHER DISCOUNTS Real Discounts (14–26 year olds): All tickets £11 Under 14s: All tickets £5

Family Tickets (max. 2 adults): £68 Schools: £5 per student

14 l Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk

SEATING PLAN

Wheelchair spaces

SUBSCRIPTION BOOKING DEADLINE Priority booking deadline for subscribers Wed 15 July General Booking Wed 5 August All subscription tickets will be posted out no later than Mon 17 August

Large print, audio and Braille versions of this brochure are available on request.

15

Box Office 01604 624811 www.royalandderngate.co.uk Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP Royal & Derngate is a trading name of The Northampton Theatre Trust Limited.

Charity No. 1075741. Company No. 3640915. VAT No. 623 5320 71