RPO Fairfield Halls 2019-20 Brochure

2019 2020 www.rpo.co.uk

SCHEHERAZADE ‘ENIGMA’ VARIATIONS BRUCH VIOLIN CONCERTO ‘EROICa’ Symphony Tchaikovsky SYMPHONY NO.5 HEBRIDES OVERTURE JOHN RUTTER

ORCHESTRA IN PARTNERSHIP BOX OFFICE: 020 3292 0002 www.fairfield.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA’S 2019–2020 SERIES AT FAIRFIELD HALLS The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is delighted to return to the magnificent, newly refurbished Fairfield Halls in Croydon as its Orchestra in Partnership. The RPO has been entertaining audiences in Croydon with incredible orchestral music throughout its history, and continues in spectacular style for the 2019–2020 season, with a host of internationally acclaimed artists and all-time favourite orchestral music.

With the glorious sound of a full symphony orchestra on stage, comprising more than seventy members, in each concert you will hear an impressive and colourful sound, enhanced by the perfect acoustics of Fairfield’s Phoenix Concert Hall.

The Italian Job

Saturday 12 October 2019, 7.30pm ROSSINI The Italian Girl in Algiers: Overture MARTUCCI Notturno No.1, Op.70 BRUCH Violin Concerto No.1 BEETHOVEN Symphony No.3, ‘Eroica’ Gianluca Marcianò Conductor Francesca Dego Violin THE ARTISTS Italian passion runs through the veins of both conductor and soloist, led by in-demand maestro Gianluca Marcianò and featuring Francesca Dego, a soloist heralded for her compelling interpretations and flawless technique.

WHAT TO EXPECT Bruch’s Concerto is a work that unleashes the full spectrum of the instrument and to this day is one of the most popular violin works. Beethoven, a young fiery genius at the time wrote his memorable ‘Eroica’ Symphony. There is lots to listen out for, in particular the powerful themes, often played by the brass.

JOHN RUTTER’s CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Sunday 1 December 2019, 3.00pm MATINEE PERFORMANCE

John Rutter Conductor James McVinnie Organ The Temple Church Choir The Purcell Singers THE ARTISTS John Rutter, inarguably the nation’s favourite modern composer, is a man whose name is synonymous with Christmas. His music and arrangements feature in seasonal programmes worldwide. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see him conduct the Orchestra with two sublime choirs in the glorious acoustics of Croydon’s celebrated concert hall.

WHAT TO EXPECT This concert is guaranteed to get your Christmas 2019 festivities underway. Hear a selection of John Rutter’s own popular works and arrangements, alongside beautiful and much-loved symphonic and choral classics, plus an opportunity to raise the roof with a selection of sing-along carols.

The GREAT ROMANTICS

Saturday 22 February 2020, 7.30pm GLINKA A Life for the Tsar: Overture BRAHMS Double Concerto TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No.5 Domingo Hindoyan Conductor Duncan Riddell Violin Richard Harwood Cello

THE ARTISTS Vibrant Venezuelan maestro Domingo Hindoyan was a member of the celebrated El Sistema music programme. The Concerto provides a showcase for two of the RPO’s own outstanding musicians in solo roles.

WHAT TO EXPECT Brahms’ Double Concerto is an exquisite work, rich in virtuosic writing for the two soloists. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5 is one of the great Romantic symphonies. You will hear the recurring Fate theme appearing in different guises and rich orchestral colours, moving from darkness to a triumphant conclusion.

ORCHESTRAL ADVENTURES

Wednesday 15 April 2020, 7.30pm MENDELSSOHN Hebrides Overture (Fingal’s Cave) TCHAIKOVSKY Variations on a Rococo Theme RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Scheherazade Sascha Goetzel Conductor Bartholomew LaFollette Cello THE ARTISTS Described as a consummate showman, conductor Sascha Goetzel is the ideal helmsman for this dramatic programme, with young cellist Bartholomew LaFollette adding his technical finesse to the detailed Variations.

WHAT TO EXPECT Tchaikovsky’s glorious Variations pay homage to Mozart and the eighteenth century, with an abundance of lyrical melodies and dazzling displays.

Rimsky-Korsakov’s fantastical Scheherazade is an enchanting reimagining of adventures from the Arabian Nights. Shimmering strings, playful woodwind and characterful brass alternate with a solo violin, representing Scheherazade herself.

RHAPSODY & WONDER Wednesday 6 May 2020, 7.30pm VAUGHAN WILLIAMS The Wasps: Overture RACHMANINOV Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini BUTTERWORTH The Banks of Green Willow ELGAR ‘Enigma’ Variations Christoph Altstaedt Conductor Clare Hammond Piano THE ARTISTS Energetic German conductor Christoph Altstaedt makes a welcome return to the Orchestra alongside British pianist Clare Hammond, who is a recent recipient of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Young Artist Award.

WHAT TO EXPECT Rachmaninov’s vivacious Rhapsody features a series of variations based on a theme by astounding violinist Niccolò Paganini. In Elgar’s ‘Enigma’ Variations each movement is dedicated to a dear friend. Listen out for chattering strings, stammering woodwinds and musical laughter, plus the stirring Nimrod.

BOOKING INFORMATION TICKET PRICES: £51.25–£15 BOX OFFICE: 020 3292 0002 BOOK ONLINE: www.fairfield.co.uk Test Drive for £15 – quote ‘Fairfield15’*

New to orchestral concerts? From providing the soundtrack to dramatic scenes in celebrated films and featuring in TV shows and adverts, as well as being sampled in your favourite rock and pop music, orchestral music surrounds us in everyday life. So why not experience the thrill of a live symphony orchestra right on your doorstep for only £15? *To qualify, you should not have attended a Royal Philharmonic Orchestra concert at Fairfield Halls before.

Offer available on Bands B–D. Subject to availability.

Fairfield Season Saver

Book for 3 or more concerts in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s season and save 15%!

Discounts are available on Bands A & B. All concerts must be booked in one transaction.

Discounts cannot be combined.

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