Ulster Orchestra 16/17 Season Brochure

Fifty Years of Northern Ireland’s Symphony Orchestra

Welcome to a Golden Season – celebrating fifty years of the Ulster Orchestra This year your Orchestra is pulling out all the stops to make Season 2016/17 one of the most memorable series of concerts that Northern Ireland has ever seen.

There’s something for everyone!

THE ULSTER ORCHESTRA SEASON 2016/17 HAS IT ALL 14

FOURTEEN SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS Opening on Friday 23 September 2016 and reaching its grand finale on Friday 26 May 2017, subscribers will enjoy twelve evening concerts, PLUS the annual Friday/Saturday performances of Handel’s Messiah in December AND two evenings of Puccini’s La bohème in concert. Subscribers can book for between four and fourteen concerts, saving up to 25%. It’s so easy – subscribe today using the simple pull-out form at the centre of this brochure. See pages 7-17.

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TEN TASTY LUNCHTIME MENUS Rafael Payare and some of the classical world’s hottest new conductors serve up a banquet of ten flavoursome concerts.

45 minutes of musical heaven over a Tuesday lunchtime (and one Christmassy Thursday)! See pages 20-21.

EIGHT POPULAR FAVOURITES Let the Ulster Orchestra take you from TV ads to Hollywood blockbusters; waltzing in Vienna to Walking in the Air; Christmas carols to classical romance; Burns to Bond... popular favourites for all the family.

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...AND TWO VERY SPECIAL CELEBRATION EVENTS This is the Ulster Orchestra’s golden anniversary season and, to mark fifty years as Northern Ireland’s symphony orchestra, we invite you to join us for two very special celebration concerts in the Ulster Hall (30 September 2016) and Belfast Waterfront (20 May 2017). More details overleaf.

50 YEARS OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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THE ULSTER ORCHESTRA’S GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY Join us for two very special concerts celebrating 50 years of Northern Ireland’s symphony orchestra.

BARRY DOUGLAS

THE 50TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT WITH BARRY DOUGLAS Ulster Hall Friday 30 September 2016, 7.45pm Rossini Overture to The Barber of Seville Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 Mozart Overture to The Marriage of Figaro Beethoven Symphony No.5 Rafael Payare Conductor Barry Douglas Piano On 28 September 1966, the bright and optimistic sounds of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro rang out in Belfast. The Ulster Orchestra was born!

To celebrate, Rafael and the Orchestra are throwing a very special birthday concert, featuring some of classical music’s best-loved openers. Mozart and Rossini’s lively overtures have begun many a great night in the Ulster Hall and Beethoven’s famous Fifth Symphony needs little introduction – its fateful first four notes do that well enough, announcing a sublime work that continues to transfix and transform all who hear it. The icing on this symphonic celebration cake is surely the long-awaited return of Northern Ireland's legendary pianist, Barry Douglas OBE, to the Orchestra, to perform the work that first announced to the rest of the world what the people of Ulster already knew: we have a pianist who can ‘out-Russian’ the Russians at performing Tchaikovsky!

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ODE TO JOY CELEBRATING 50 SEASONS! Belfast Waterfront Saturday 20 May 2017, 7.45pm

Rimsky-Korsakov Russian Easter Festival Overture Borodin Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor Beethoven Symphony No.9 Choral Rafael Payare Conductor Belfast Philharmonic Choir The Ulster Orchestra’s year of celebration reaches a joyous climax in the penultimate week of the season with this noisy, spectacular and ultimately uplifting concert. Rafael Payare leads the Orchestra in two brilliant works by a pair of Russian masters. And then, arguably the greatest of them all: Ludwig van Beethoven and what promises to be an unforgettable performance of the never-bettered Ninth - the Choral Symphony. For this occasion the Orchestra will be joined, as they have been so many times over the last fifty seasons, by the wonderful Belfast Philharmonic Choir.

Feel free to put your glad rags on (but there’s no dress code) and come in good time to enjoy the celebratory atmosphere. Expect excitement, noise and, above all, joy!

Tickets for each of these concerts can be purchased on the same form as your subscription booking and are priced at: £37.50 / £35 / £30 / £25 / £20 Proceeds from these concerts will go towards the Ulster Orchestra’s 50th Anniversary Music Room Fund, which supports community learning and engagement projects for young and old, across Northern Ireland.

BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT – CALL 028 9033 4455 or ONLINE AT WWW.ULSTERORCHESTRA.COM

50 YEARS OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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WELCOME TO SEASON 2016/17 Welcome

Foreword from our principal funder

I warmly welcome you to discover our new concert season, in this, our fiftieth anniversary year.

Every year the Ulster Orchestra enriches our community with more than 60 world-class performances for approximately 48,000 concert goers. But the influence of the Orchestra reaches much further than that, touching the lives of thousands of children and adults through education and outreach programmes in our classrooms and neighbourhoods. The value the Orchestra places on community engagement reflects its commitment to becoming an increasingly relevant part of the life of the wider community.

We have pulled out all the stops to make this a memorable musical celebration. We will throw a party at two very special ‘one-off’ concerts, as well as throughout the very full and wonderful season.

I am especially delighted that Northern Ireland’s world-renowned pianist (and fellow conductor), Barry Douglas, will be joining us on three separate occasions to perform Tchaikovsky’s concertos for piano.

This year the Orchestra and I will continue to explore the music of Beethoven – especially his popular Fifth, Sixth (the Pastoral) and Ninth (sometimes known as the Choral) symphonies, as well as his Violin Concerto and the mighty Emperor Piano Concerto, for which we are delighted to be joined by pianist Stephen Hough.

And there is so much else that you will enjoy in these pages – programmes with Principal Guest Conductor Jac van Steen, Associate Conductor Christopher Bell and other special guest artists, not to mention exciting collaborations with our good friends at Northern Ireland Opera, Belfast Festival, the BBC and, of course, the Belfast Philharmonic Choir.

The season itself begins in September when my wife Alisa will be with us on stage to perform Dmitri Shostakovich’s expressive Cello Concerto No.2. Whether you have supported the Orchestra for all fifty years, or, like me, you’re a relative newcomer, you are most welcome to join us as we revel in the world’s most beautiful music!

See you soon,

Rafael Payare Chief Conductor

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This is an important and exciting time of transition for the Orchestra. We warmly welcome the recent appointment of Richard Wigley, one of the UK’s most experienced and respected arts managers, with an exemplary track record for artistic excellence, community outreach and commercial entrepreneurship. Richard joins resident Chief Conductor Rafael Payare, who has developed a special chemistry with the Orchestra that is apparent in the quality of the performances. With this dynamic team leading these wonderfully talented players, the Ulster Orchestra is in a good place to achieve the fullness of its potential as one of Northern Ireland’s major cultural assets.

Roisín McDonough Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland

The Ulster Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the major support from its principal funder, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

In Partnership with Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival

ALISA WEILERSTEIN

UNMISSABLE EXALTATION! Opening Concert with Rafael & Alisa Ulster Hall Friday 23 September 2016, 7.45pm Glinka Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila Shostakovich Cello Concerto No.2 Rachmaninov Symphony No.2 Rafael Payare Conductor Alisa Weilerstein Cello The Ulster Orchestra, its Chief Conductor Rafael Payare and his wife, Alisa Weilerstein, raise the curtain on this special season in dramatic fashion. In a season that celebrates some of the greatest symphonies ever written, Rachmaninov’s sumptuous Second is full of emotional power and a seemingly endless flow of euphoric melodies - proof (and then some!) of his belief that music should, more than anything else, ‘exalt’. As a perfect balance, Alisa Weilerstein will perform one of the great cello concertos, Shostakovich’s expressive Concerto No.2, a work which is typically dark, brooding and exciting in equal measure. Not to be missed!

PRECONCERT TALK

Free pre-concert talk with Managing Director Richard Wigley, in conversation with Chief Conductor Rafael Payare at 7pm. These take place in the main hall and last around 15 minutes. All are welcome.

RACHEL KELLY

EXOTIC STORYTELLERS

Music of Beauty and Colour Ulster Hall Friday 21 October 2016, 7.45pm Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte Berlioz Les nuits d’été Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade Jac van Steen Conductor Rachel Kelly Mezzo-Soprano An intoxicating evening of sumptuous music by three masterful orchestrators who knew how to bring every musical colour to dazzling life. There’s rarely a dry eye left in the house when Ravel’s tender Pavane is performed and the pleasure of summer nights spent sharing stories amongst friends is evoked by Berlioz’s gorgeous song cycle, Les nuits d'été. A virtuosic violin takes up the storyteller’s role in Scheherazade, opening a mesmeric book of hedonistic musical adventures, magical encounters and - of course - love.

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BARRY DOUGLAS Northern Ireland’s greatest pianist returns to the Ulster Orchestra for three very special concerts this season.

FRIDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2016: Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER 2016: Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.2 FRIDAY 31 MARCH 2017: Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.3

RAFAEL PAYARE

THE GREAT SYMPHONIES: SIBELIUS' FIRST Barry Douglas plays Tchaikovsky Ulster Hall Friday 28 October 2016, 7.45pm Stanford Prelude to Oedipus Rex Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.2 Sibelius Symphony No.1 Rafael Payare Conductor Barry Douglas Piano Between 1986 and 1991 the Ulster Orchestra, under its former Principal Conductor the late Vernon Handley, recorded much of Irish composer Charles Villiers Stanford’s orchestral music, including his Prelude to the incidental music for a production of Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus.

Tchaikovsky’s Second Piano Concerto requires a pianist who can play with both unbridled virtuosity and intense poetry. Barry Douglas, one of the world’s great Tchaikovsky interpreters, is just the man for the job.

And this evening’s concert reaches epic heights with one of the best: Sibelius’ gripping and ultimately uplifting First Symphony; a mighty work that takes up the symphonic baton from Tchaikovsky and looks forward to its composer discovering a whole new world of symphonic expression.

PRECONCERT TALK

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Free pre-concert talk with guest soloist Barry Douglas at 7pm.

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In Partnership with Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival

Barry Douglas grew up in Belfast and learnt piano, cello, clarinet and organ whilst a pupil at Methodist College, before going on to study piano in London and then Paris. His reputation as a pianist of the highest order was cemented in 1985 when he won prizes at major piano competitions in the USA and Spain but international fame truly arrived with his sensational, outright gold medal-winning performance at the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in 1986, the first non-Russian pianist to do so since Van Cliburn in 1958. Since then, Barry’s career has taken him all over the world, making many recordings and performing with the world’s greatest orchestras.

Despite his busy touring schedule (now also as a conductor) he remains rooted here in Northern Ireland and serves as Artistic Director of Camerata Ireland and the Clandeboye Festival.

Barry received an OBE in 2002 for services to music and he has also received a Fellowship of the Royal College of Music, where he is Visiting Prince Consort Professor of Piano, and Honorary Doctorates of Music from both Queen's University Belfast and the National University of Ireland.

TCHAIKOVSKY’S EUGENE ONEGIN Highlights from Russia’s Greatest Opera Ulster Hall Friday 25 November 2016, 7.45pm Smetana Má Vlast (selection) Tchaikovsky Eugene Onegin (highlights) Jac van Steen Conductor Giselle Allen Soprano David Kempster Baritone When Tatyana is introduced to the dashing, unconventional Onegin, she believes that he is the hero of her dreams. But… Tchaikovsky’s opera Eugene Onegin (roughly pronounced ‘oh-NYEH-gn’) was one of the biggest hits of an already highly successful compositional career. Tonight’s concert highlights will surely include Giselle Allen singing Tatyana’s Act I ‘Letter Aria’ – one of the most intense solo scenes ever written for the soprano voice.

In complete contrast, Smetana’s Má Vlast (‘My Fatherland’) is 100% instrumental, a series of six nationalistic symphonic poems. Tonight, Jac van Steen conducts the first four, including the famous Vltava (‘Moldau’) – a beautiful, evocative musical painting of Bohemia’s most celebrated river.

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BEETHOVEN’S VIOLIN CONCERTO Music in the Golden Key

Ulster Hall Friday 2 December 2016, 7.45pm Beethoven Violin Concerto Tchaikovsky Symphony No.3 Polish Rafael Payare Conductor Sergey Khachatryan Violin They call D major the ‘golden’ key, the ‘key of glory’. Fitting then for a fiftieth anniversary season, two giants in D major, beginning with Beethoven’s monumental Violin Concerto, performed by one of the great modern interpreters of the piece, Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan.

And then, to top it all, Tchaikovsky’s fivemovement Third Symphony is his only symphony written in the major key and is brim-full with exuberant optimism - a terrific showcase for the composer’s famed gift for great tunes.

PRECONCERT TALK

Free pre-concert talk at 7pm.

…Khachatryan brought an almost unreal beauty to Beethoven’s Violin Concerto.

L.A. Times

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MESSIAH AT CHRISTMAS

The Traditional Way to Celebrate Advent Belfast Waterfront Friday 9 December 2016, 7.30pm Saturday 10 December 2016, 7.30pm Handel Messiah Laurence Cummings Conductor Anna Devin Soprano Owen Willetts Countertenor Mark Wilde Tenor Henry Waddington Bass Belfast Philharmonic Choir Stephen Doughty Chorusmaster For hundreds of years, Handel’s Messiah has been leaving Belfast audiences stirred, uplifted and humming the tunes. 'Ev’ry Valley', 'For Unto Us a Child is Born', 'The Trumpet Shall Sound' and much more… not forgetting the 'Hallelujah' chorus itself.

The Ulster Orchestra is joined, as always, by a team of star soloists from around the world and the 142 year-old Belfast Philharmonic Choir. This unmissable Christmas institution is another opportunity to experience all the glory, celebration and joy of this timeless, inspirational masterpiece.

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THE GREAT SYMPHONIES: FRANCK’S SYMPHONY IN D MINOR The Return of Tortelier

Ulster Hall Friday 3 February 2017, 7.45pm Elgar In the South 'Alassio' Ravel, arr. Tortelier Piano Trio in A minor Franck Symphony in D minor Yan Pascal Tortelier Conductor As part of the Orchestra’s fiftieth birthday celebrations, the longawaited return of Yan Pascal Tortelier. Maestro Tortelier, who enjoys a distinguished career conducting the world’s most prestigious orchestras, was Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Ulster Orchestra from 1989 to 1992. Such was his impact and contribution to the musical life of Northern Ireland that he was presented with an Honorary Doctorate from the Ulster University. He arranged Ravel’s Piano Trio in A minor especially for the Ulster Orchestra and they revisit it for this concert, along with Tortelier’s favourite work by Elgar, his In the South overture (which just happens to be his Opus 50!).

And another long-awaited return: César Franck’s only symphony has long been a big favourite with Belfast audiences but in recent years it has been somewhat neglected. Not any more!

Free pre-concert talk with Yan Pascal Tortelier at 7pm.

YAN PASCAL TORTELIER CONDUCTING THE ULSTER ORCHESTRA IN THE EARLY 1990S

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What a glorious instrument the Ulster Orchestra is in Tortelier’s hands – eloquent principals in every section and supple consummate ensemble in this most subtle and flexible of repertoire…

So said the American Record Guide of Yan Pascal Tortelier’s acclaimed survey of Debussy and Ravel’s complete orchestral works for Chandos records. ‘For someone of my age’, Tortelier said afterwards (he was, at the time, in his forties), ‘this was truly extraordinary – many of my older French colleagues hardly have the chance to do half this repertoire’.

The recordings constituted the summit of his achievement with the Ulster Orchestra and were critically acclaimed for their flair, care, sensitivity and great musical enjoyment.

ALINA IBRAGIMOVA

THE GREAT SYMPHONIES: BEETHOVEN’S PASTORAL Take a Deep Breath, Relax and Enjoy Ulster Hall Friday 24 February 2017, 7.45pm

RAMON ORTEGA QUERO

ELGAR’S ENIGMA VARIATIONS One of the Nation’s Best-Loved Classics Ulster Hall Friday 3 March 2017, 7.45pm

Beethoven Symphony No.6 Pastoral Brahms Violin Concerto

Walton Suite from Henry V Holst Egdon Heath Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto Elgar Enigma Variations

Rafael Payare Conductor Alina Ibragimova Violin

Jac van Steen Conductor Ramon Ortega Quero Oboe

"The awakening of happy feelings on arriving in the countryside." In his uplifting Pastoral Symphony (the best, according to many), Beethoven’s relentless struggles with fate are temporarily set aside as he takes delight in rustic rural life and the fresh air of nature. But this is a countryside not unlike our own, coming complete with a massive rainstorm and a collection of merry peasants…

A majestic series of character portraits, Elgar’s Enigma Variations pays heartfelt and humorous tribute ‘to my friends pictured within’, including his close friend and publisher, August Jaeger, the ‘mighty hunter’ of the celebrated 'Nimrod' variation.

Brahms’ sweet, songful Violin Concerto will be performed by violinist Alina Ibragimova (‘breathtaking’ – The Guardian; ‘the most questing and lively young violinist of our time’ – The Arts Desk).

Principal Guest Conductor Jac van Steen conducts this all-English programme which also includes film music by Walton, Holst’s tribute to novelist Thomas Hardy and an oboe concerto written by the UK’s favourite composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Free pre-concert talk with Principal Guest Conductor Jac van Steen at 7pm.

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RAFAEL PAYARE

BARRY DOUGLAS

THE GREAT SYMPHONIES: THE PATHÉTIQUE

THE GREAT SYMPHONIES: BRAHMS’ FIRST

Ulster Hall Friday 24 March 2017, 7.45pm

Ulster Hall Friday 31 March 2017, 7.45pm

Tchaikovsky’s Emotional Sixth Symphony

Barry Douglas plays Tchaikovsky

Kodaly Dances of Galánta Rózsa Violin Concerto Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6 Pathétique

Piers Hellawell Wild Flow (BBC Commission) Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.3 Brahms Symphony No.1

Rafael Payare Conductor Tamás Kocsis Violin

Rafael Payare Conductor Barry Douglas Piano

Tchaikovsky’s symphonies aren’t just about the melodies: they’re no-holds-barred emotional autobiographies, bursting at the seams with all the composer’s hopes, fears and desperate passions. And the Pathétique (which means ‘full of feeling’) is the most overwhelming of them, his heart-breaking final symphony.

Brahms had felt so intimidated by Schumann’s prediction that he was the man destined to ‘take over the mantle of Beethoven’ that it took him over 20 years to complete his First Symphony; it was referred to as ‘Beethoven’s Tenth’ by the conductor of its première. Neither were wrong: a masterwork of blazing intensity, the listener is taken on an epic journey, from dark openings via heroic struggles through to a triumphant end.

In the first half of tonight’s programme, music by two of Hungary’s most famous sons - including Kodaly’s famous Dances and a Hungarian violin concerto performed by the Orchestra’s Hungarian Leader, Tamás Kocsis.

Also, an opportunity for Belfast audiences to hear Belfast-based composer Piers Hellawell’s Wild Flow at its Irish Première, after receiving its World Première by the Ulster Orchestra at the 2016 BBC Proms.

And Barry Douglas concludes his series of Tchaikovsky piano concertos with the Russian’s final composition, Allegro de concert, the one-movement concert piece for piano and orchestra that we now know as Piano Concerto No.3.

Free pre-concert talk with Piers Hellawell at 7pm.

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FAURÉ REQUIEM AT EASTER Sacred Choral Music for Good Friday Ulster Hall Friday 14 April 2017, 7.45pm Wagner Good Friday Music from Parsifal Poulenc Stabat mater Fauré Requiem Jac van Steen Conductor Sarah Tynan Soprano William Dazeley Baritone Belfast Philharmonic Choir Stephen Doughty Chorusmaster As a triumphant fanfare accompanies the dawn sunrise, the weary Parsifal rests and observes with wonder the beauty of the sunlit, flower-filled meadow around him.

‘This is how Good Friday ought to be’, thought Wagner.

In the 1930s, a period of soul-searching sent Francis Poulenc back to his religious roots. The result, amongst other sacred works, was his transcendent Stabat mater, ‘a prayer of intercession’.

A favourite with lovers of fine choral music, Fauré’s serene Requiem is the devout composer’s personal vision: ‘…it is thus that I see death: as a happy deliverance, an aspiration towards happiness above, rather than as a painful experience.’ Its beautiful tranquillity allows all those who hear it to share in the musical and spiritual comfort of that vision of timeless peace. There’s more to it than the blissful 'Pie Jesu'; this is music that speaks straight to the heart.

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LA BOHÈME: OPERA IN CONCERT In Partnership with Northern Ireland Opera Ulster Hall Friday 28 April 2017, 7.45pm Saturday 29 April 2017, 7.45pm Puccini La bohème Rafael Payare Conductor Belfast Philharmonic Choir CAST INCLUDES SOLOISTS FROM ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND AND IRELAND Paris. Christmas Eve. A chance meeting between a young poet and a seamstress living next door sparks a whirlwind romance. But can their youthful passion endure, or will circumstance thwart their young love?

La bohème is one of opera’s most popular and unforgettable stories. As well as countless great opera productions, it has inspired films (Moulin Rouge) and musicials (Rent) and many of its arias ('O soave fanciulla', 'Che gelida manina', 'Quando me’n vo' and more) are amongst the best-loved in all of opera.

Northern Ireland Opera, a regular partner with Ulster Orchestra, is collaborating on these very special concert performances of the full opera, as part of the Orchestra’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations.

Don’t miss these nights to remember!

The world’s favourite opera.

DK Eyewitness Companion to Opera

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THE SEASON’S GRAND FINALE Hough plays Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto Ulster Hall Friday 26 May 2017, 7.45pm Shostakovich Festive Overture Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 Emperor Prokofiev Symphony No.5 STEPHEN HOUGH

Rafael Payare Conductor Stephen Hough Piano A momentous season comes to its triumphant conclusion in a blaze of fanfare and Prokofiev’s heroic and joyful Fifth Symphony, a work so popular that it (remarkably) put its Russian composer on the front cover of Time magazine in 1945. And, at the centrepiece of this heroic programme, Beethoven lays all his cards on the table with the grandest, most stirring piano concerto he ever wrote – and in fact the Emperor was his last, and possibly greatest achievement in concerto writing. At the hands of the great British pianist Stephen Hough (‘the virtuoso who begins where others leave off’), this promises to be a performance to remember and a spectacular conclusion to a truly memorable Season 2016/17.

50 YEARS OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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Moments from the first fifty years…

1966

1966

1967

1979

1981

1985

‘WE SHALL BECOME…’

PLAYING TO YOUNG & OLD

OPERATIC ADVENTURES

RECORDINGS WITH FLAIR

PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BBC

CHAMPIONING BRITISH & IRISH MUSIC

Conductor Maurice Miles (1966-67) worked tirelessly to establish a permanent professional orchestra for Northern Ireland. He wrote: ‘It is with pride, mingled with awe, that I take on the immense responsibility of creating the Ulster Orchestra… [it is my] resolve that… we shall become an essential part of the life of Northern Ireland’. Rafael Payare is the twelfth chief conductor since Miles – hear him open his third season as Chief Conductor in September 2016.

In the first four months of the Ulster Orchestra’s existence, it performed over twenty schools’ concerts across Northern Ireland. And the Orchestra has been committed to creating engaging learning experiences ever since – many of those in today’s audiences first heard the Orchestra at a schools’ concert (and some of those on the platform too!).

Since its early years the Ulster Orchestra has contributed to the operatic life of Northern Ireland on many occasions, beginning with the Grand Opera Society of Northern Ireland and ‘Ulster Opera at Grove Theatre’ seasons in 1967, and Frankfurt Opera (visiting Belfast) in 1968. The Orchestra even accompanied Welsh National Opera’s performances in Swansea and Bristol in 1968! There’s lots for opera fans to enjoy this year – concert performances of La bohème and Eugene Onegin (highlights) and Northern Ireland Opera’s productions of Don Giovanni and Powder Her Face.

The Ulster Orchestra made the first of nearly 100 commercial recordings in 1979. BBC Music Magazine described the Orchestra’s project with Yan Pascal Tortelier (1989-93) as ‘…the best Debussy cycle to appear in the CD era… Playing combines flair, care and great musical enjoyment’. Hear Tortelier and the Orchestra in February 2017.

With the closure of the BBC NI Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra expanded to 55 musicians. Since 1981 the Orchestra’s major funding partners have been the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, BBC Radio 3, BBC Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council with major support from JTI (formerly Gallaher Limited). The Orchestra’s concerts from the Ulster Hall are regularly broadcast, live or recorded, on BBC Radio 3 or BBC Radio Ulster. The Ulster Orchestra is a frequent visitor to the BBC Proms in London (since 1985) and performs to tens of thousands each year as part of the ‘Proms in the Park’ at Titanic Slipway. Hear Wild Flow, the BBC’s commission from composer Piers Hellawell in March 2017.

Under Bryden Thomson (1977-85) and Vernon Handley (1985-89), the Orchestra gained an international reputation for championing British music of the early 20th Century, including Bax, Elgar, Britten, Bridge, Vaughan Williams; also Northern Ireland’s best-known composer, Hamilton Harty and Ireland’s Charles Villiers Stanford. Hear music by Elgar and Vaughan Williams in February and March 2017, Stanford in October 2016 and February 2017.

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In 2012, Brian Irvine’s The Pied Piper was awarded the Inspire mark of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad – the Orchestra was the first organisation from Northern Ireland to be awarded the mark. Today, learning and community engagement is a core aspect of the Orchestra’s work and in 2016 it launched The Music Room to fulfil its ambitions in this area. Find out more on page 28.

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PULL-OUT BOOKING FORM

Subscribe to Season 2016/17 – Book now and save 25% Subscribing is once again the most popular way to buy Ulster Orchestra concert tickets. And it’s easy to see why – a subscription is straightforward, full of benefits and is great value.

Subscribing to the Ulster Orchestra is the only way to ensure you get the seats you want at the best value prices. Subscribers get first pick of the best seats and receive each new season brochure ahead of everyone else. You can even spread the cost of your subscription across six affordable monthly payments.

Anyone can subscribe – choose any four or more concerts and you’ll begin to save. And the more you book, the more you save – up to as much as 25% off your tickets for a full season subscription.

The concert choice is yours…

You have total freedom to choose the concerts to add to your subscription package. Simply tick the concerts you want on the booking form overleaf, then use the handy Subscription Discount Pricing Table (overleaf) to see how much you’ll save (and then you might want to add a couple more!).

You can spread the cost You can choose how you would like to pay for your subscription – cheque, card payment… or you can spread your payments across six months by Standing Order.

You’re our priority We know how important your favourite seat is to you. If you are a returning Subscriber, let us know on the form where you normally sit and we’ll do our best to allocate your choice of seat*. Subscription booking forms can be completed at any time throughout the season but to help us secure your usual seat for you we provide a ‘subscription-only’ priority booking period – from MONDAY 23 MAY until FRIDAY 10 JUNE 2016. (Tickets for individual concerts don’t then go on sale until Monday 27 June 2016, giving the Box Office time to process your subscription).

Conveniently book all your other concerts The Orchestra is very busy in this special anniversary season and, as well as the subscription season concerts, you can also book now for all the other concerts at the Ulster Hall/Belfast Waterfront using this form. And there’s even some extra savings to be made, just for subscribers.

What are you waiting for?

Turn over to start saving!

*We always try to honour your choice of seat but occasionally two subscribers may have been allocated the same seat during different concerts in a previous season. In the case of any conflict, the Box Office will prioritise seats based on the number of concerts a subscriber is booking and then by the date they receive the booking form.

The more concerts in your Subscription package each year, the more likely it is that you will be allocated the same seat every year.

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: UO Date Received

50 YEARSPriority OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Number

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SUBSCRIPTION BOOKING FORM

Season 2016/17: Subscription Price Bands ULSTER HALL CONCERTS

PRICE BAND I:

• Carefully complete each section of this form.

BELFAST WATERFRONT CONCERTS

PRICE BAND II:

• Return it to the Ulster Orchestra using the FREEPOST address overleaf.

PRICE BAND III:

• Please only use this booking form to subscribe. Subscription bookings need to be processed carefully and so cannot be completed by phone or at the Box Office counter.

PRICE BAND IV: PRICE BAND V: PRICE BAND VI:

Row 5 (Restricted view)

Season 2016/17: Subscription Discount Pricing Table Remember, the more you book, the more you save!

This handy discount pricing table will help you complete your subscription booking form.

PRICE BAND I

PRICE BAND II

PRICE BAND III

PRICE BAND IV

PRICE BAND V

PRICE BAND VI

INDIVIDUAL TICKET PRICES £28.00

£22.00

£18.00

£15.50

£10.00

1. CHOOSE WHERE YOU’D LIKE TO SIT a) If you are a previous subscriber and already know your usual row and seat, please specify here. Remember, we cannot guarantee this seat but will do our best. First consideration during the priority booking period is given to those subscribers who are booking a full package or for the majority of concerts.

1

CONCERT

2

CONCERT

BLOCK

3

CONCERT

PRICE BAND:

III

£93.60

£79.20

£64.80

£55.80

£36.00

(NB in previous seasons these Price Bands were denoted as A to F. Band A is now Band I and so on.)

CONCERTS

£126.00

£117.00

£99.00

£81.00

£69.75

£45.00

6

CONCERTS

£151.20

£140.40

£118.80

£97.20

£83.70

£54.00

7

CONCERTS

£176.40

£163.80

£138.60

£113.40

£97.65

£63.00

8

CONCERTS

£190.40

£176.80

£149.60

£122.40

£105.40

£68.00

9

CONCERTS

£214.20

£198.90

£168.30

£137.70

£118.58

£76.50

10

CONCERTS

£238.00

£221.00

£187.00

£153.00

£131.75

£85.00

11

CONCERTS

£261.80

£243.10

£205.70

£168.30

£144.93

£93.50

12

CONCERTS

£268.80

£249.60

£211.20

£172.80

£148.80

£96.00

13

CONCERTS

£291.20

£270.40

£228.80

£187.20

£161.20

£104.00

14

CONCERTS

£294.00

£273.00

£231.00

£189.00

£162.75

£105.00

25%

II

£100.80

5

20%

I

SEAT

SUBSCRIPTION DISCOUNTS BEGIN AFTER ONLY FOUR CONCERTS CONCERTS

15%

ROW

V VI IV

4

18

10%

£26.50

• Please be patient – the Box Office will process your booking and contact you if they require anything else from you.

BOX OFFICE: 028 9033 4455 // ULSTERORCHESTRA.COM

b) If you don’t know your row and seat number, please tell us above which price band/seating block you’d like to sit in (see the seating plan above) and we will do our best to accommodate you in this area. c) NB Messiah at Christmas (9/10 December) takes place in Belfast Waterfront. If you are booking this concert as part of your subscription package, please ensure that your seat is within the same price band as for the Ulster Hall (please refer to the plan on the opposite page).

If you know the block/row and seat number that you usually sit in, please specify here:

4. CALCULATE THE COST OF YOUR SUBSCRIPTION

2. LET'S CELEBRATE! Join us in celebrating fifty years of Northern Ireland’s symphony orchestra with two very special golden anniversary concerts in September 2016 and May 2017. See pages 3-4 for more details. Proceeds from these concerts will go towards the Orchestra’s 50th Anniversary Music Room Fund.

PRICE BAND

I II £37.50 £35

50th BIRTHDAY CONCERT WITH BARRY DOUGLAS Programme includes Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 & Beethoven Symphony No.5

FRI 30 SEP 2016

ODE TO JOY – CELEBRATING 50 SEASONS Incl. Beethoven Symph. No.9 (Belfast Waterfront)

SAT 20 MAY 2017

Total Cost of Celebration Concerts

III £30

IV £25

V £25

VI £20

Cost of one subscription package

Number of subscribers (e.g. “2” if you are a couple)

X

Total cost of subscriptions

=

£

Why not take this opportunity to also book your tickets to the following other Ulster Orchestra performances now. Write the number of tickets required in the boxes below. Note that these concerts are priced differently from subscription concerts and some take place in the Belfast Waterfront. Choose your price band and we’ll endeavour to allocate you a seat as close to your usual subscription seat as possible.

PRICE BAND £

You can select as many concerts as you want to create your subscription (MINIMUM OF FOUR CONCERTS). Remember, the more you book, the more you save.

SAVE 25% BY SELECTING ALL FOURTEEN CONCERTS!

Now, count up the number of concerts you’ve chosen TOTAL NUMBER OF SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS

Total no. of concerts

5. NOW ADD ANY NON-SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS

3. NOW MAKE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT CHOICES

Opening Concert with Rafael & Alisa incl. Rachmaninov’s 2nd Symphony Exotic Storytellers – Music of Beauty & Colour incl. Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade Great Symphonies: Sibelius' First incl. Douglas plays Tchaikovsky’s 2nd Piano Conc.

Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin incl. Smetana’s Má Vlast Beethoven’s Violin Concerto incl. Tchaikovsky’s 3rd Symphony Messiah at Christmas (Belfast Waterfront) Great Symphonies: Franck’s Symphony in D minor incl. Yan Pascal Tortelier conducting Elgar and Ravel Great Symphonies: Beethoven’s Pastoral incl. Brahms’ Violin Concerto Elgar’s Enigma Variations incl. Vaughan Williams’ Oboe Concerto Great Symphonies: The Pathétique incl. Kodaly’s Dances of Galanta Great Symphonies: Brahms’ First incl. Douglas plays Tchaikovsky’s 3rd Piano Conc.

Fauré Requiem at Easter Sacred choral music for Good Friday La bohème Concert performance of Puccini’s great opera The Season’s Grand Finale incl. Beethoven’s Emperor AND Prokofiev’s Fifth

Referring to the Subscription Discount Pricing Table opposite for your chosen price band and number of concerts, calculate the cost of your subscription:

FRI 23 SEP 2016 FRI 21 OCT 2016 FRI 28 OCT 2016

POPULAR FAVOURITES CONCERTS TV Gold! Classical from small screen Golden Statues – Best movie scores Sing Carols at Christmas Viennese Gold – New Year Classics Viennese Gold – New Year Classics Burns Night Golden Moments – Most Beautiful Classics Goldfinger! The Best of James Bond

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

£30

£25

£25

£20

£20

£15

SAT 8 OCT 2016 SAT 5 NOV 2016 THU 15 DEC 2016 (W.FRONT) FRI 6 JAN 2017 ((W.FRONT) SAT 7 JAN 2017 (W.FRONT) SAT 21 JAN 2017 SAT 11 FEB 2017 SAT 8 APRIL 2017

FAMILY CONCERTS

ADULT CHILD FAMILY ADD. £15 £10 £45 CHILD £5

FRI 25 NOV 2016 FRI 2 DEC 2016 FRI 9 DEC 2016 OR SAT 10 DEC 2016 FRI 3 FEB 2017 FRI 24 FEB 2017 FRI 3 MAR 2017 FRI 24 MAR 2017 FRI 31 MAR 2017 FRI 14 APRIL 2017 FRI 28 APR 2017 OR SAT 29 APR 2017 FRI 26 MAY 2017

The Snowman – Your Favourite Christmas Classics (WATERFRONT) SAT 3 DEC 2016 2.00PM The Snowman – Your Favourite Christmas Classics (WATERFRONT) SAT 3 DEC 2016 4.30PM JTI LUNCHTIME CONCERTS – SEATING UNRESERVED SUBSCRIBERS SAVE 10% OFF REGULAR PRICE OF £7.50 JTI Lunchtime Concert: MUSICAL MATINÉE JTI Lunchtime Concert: A PICNIC IN THE HIGHLANDS JTI Lunchtime Concert: SERVED UP IN THE CLASSICAL STYLE JTI Lunchtime Concert: CHRISTMAS DINNER! JTI Lunchtime Concert: HUNGARIAN DELIGHTS JTI Lunchtime Concert: WHAT THE WILD FLOWERS TELL ME JTI Lunchtime Concert: IRISH RHAPSODY JTI Lunchtime Concert: MOZART'S JUPITER JTI Lunchtime Concert: FEAST YOUR EARS JTI Lunchtime Concert: SCHUBERT'S THE GREAT

Total Cost of all Non-Subscription Concerts

£6.75 TUE 4 OCT 2016 TUE 25 OCT 2016 TUE 29 NOV 2016 THU 15 DEC 2016 TUE 10 JAN 2017 TUE 7 FEB 2017 TUE 28 FEB 2017 TUE 28 MAR 2017 TUE 1 MAY 2017 TUE 23 MAY 2017

£

50 YEARS OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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6. NOW ADD UP THE COSTS TOTAL COST OF 50TH CELEBRATION CONCERTS (from part 2):

£

TOTAL COST OF SUBSCRIPTIONS (from part 4):

£

TOTAL COST OF NON-SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS (from part 5):

£

GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT PAYABLE

£

7. YOUR DETAILS (REQUIRED) NAME: ADDRESS:

POSTCODE: DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER: MOBILE PHONE NUMBER: EMAIL ADDRESS: Do you have any other special requirements that we need to know about?

9. MAKE A DONATION TO YOUR ULSTER ORCHESTRA

8. CHOOSE A METHOD OF PAYMENT

I would like to pay by cheque.

Please do NOT send cheques at this stage.

The Box Office will contact you.

I would like to pay by Debit/Credit Card The Box Office will be in touch with you to arrange payment by card.

Payment by Standing Order – spread payments across six months If you are returning your Subscription form before 1 July 2016 and would like to spread the cost of your Subscription across six manageable monthly payments, please tick this box and we will send you a Standing Order form.

FINALLY, PLEASE POST YOUR COMPLETED BOOKING FORM TO: FREPOST RTUA-TJXB-XTEA Ulster Orchestra 9 Gloucester Street Belfast BT1 4LS

Any gift, large or small, makes a huge difference to our ability to reach out to the heart of Northern Ireland and bring the joy of classical music to as wide an audience as possible. It also supports our education and outreach activities, working with some of the most disadvantaged and disenfranchised people, young and old, in our communities.

I would like to donate

£

YOU CAN SEND A DONATION CHEQUE WITH THIS SUBSCRIPTION FORM, PAYABLE TO ‘ULSTER ORCHESTRA’

If you are a UK taxpayer you can use Gift Aid to make your donations go further. If you Gift Aid your donation, the Ulster Orchestra can claim tax relief of 25p on every pound you donate.

DECLARATION: I would like to Gift Aid all future donations until further notice. I am a taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

SIGNATURE

POSTAGE IS FREE! NO STAMP REQUIRED But do feel free to help the Ulster Orchestra save every little bit by adding a stamp if you wish.

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Please notify us if you want to cancel this declaration, change your name or home address, or you no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains.

1986

1986

1993

1997

2005

2016

BRINGING THE WORLD’S BEST TO ULSTER

INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADORS

AN ORCHESTRA FOR ALL OF NORTHERN IRELAND

BELFAST WATERFRONT

POPULAR FAVOURITES

WE ARE FIFTY!

Early in 1986 the Ulster Orchestra booked a local pianist with a growing reputation to perform in the following season. In the meantime Barry Douglas went on to win the world’s most prestigious piano competition and the rest, as they say, is history! The Ulster Orchestra continues to bring the cream of international soloists to Northern Ireland including, in 2016/17, Alisa Weilerstein, Stephen Hough, Alina Ibragimova and - of course Barry Douglas.

Over the years, the Ulster Orchestra has been an ambassador for Northern Ireland all over the globe.

As well as numerous visits and residencies in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England, the Orchestra undertook its first foreign tour in 1986 and has since performed in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, USA, Korea, Spain, Hong Kong, Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia.

This season, let the Ulster Orchestra bring the world to you, with the best of music from Russia, the USA, Germany, Italy, France, Hungary, Belgium, Czech Republic, Austria, Finland, England and Ireland – can you spot all the nations as you browse this brochure?

Since its inception the Orchestra has been committed to bringing the best music to communities across the region. For example, in 1993 the Orchestra enjoyed a week’s residency in Enniskillen, following this up in 1994 with a week in Cookstown. By 1995 seventeen of the Orchestra’s concerts were outside Belfast.

The Orchestra (together with its corporate supporter JTI) has received awards for its community work in Northern Ireland and in 2013 the Ulster Orchestra was a major participant in Derry~Londonderry’s UK City of Culture celebrations. This year the Orchestra will be celebrating fifty years with a series of fifty performances in fifty communities across Northern Ireland. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open!

The Belfast Waterfront celebrates its twentieth anniversary in 2017 and, although the majority of the Ulster Orchestra’s concerts take place in the Ulster Hall, the Orchestra is equally at home in the larger riverside venue. This season, enjoy Waterfront performances of Messiah, The Snowman, Viennese, Burns Night and the special celebration concert on 20 May 2017.

In 2005, the Orchestra launched its ‘Pops’ concert series. This year there are eight Popular Favourites concerts, ranging from Burns to Bond, classical music from TV ads to Hollywood’s award-winning soundtracks and from Viennese Waltzes to a programme of relaxing, romantic classics. See pages 22-25.

Join us to celebrate on 30 September 2016 and 20 May 2017. We’re also planning a day of special events in Belfast on our birthday, 28 September.

Visit our website to keep in the loop!

With grateful appreciation to former Chief Executive David Byers for his kind assistance in providing the archive images on this page.

50 YEARS OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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JTI LUNCHTIME CONCERTS

Every JTI Lunchtime Concert has been carefully prepared with just the right amount of music (around 45 minutes) to satisfy your early afternoon appetite. Why not treat yourself – take time out from your busy day and make a lunch date with the Ulster Orchestra?

ALL SEATS £7.50 THE ULTIMATE FEAST… BOOK ALL TEN CONCERTS FOR ONLY £67.50…

NOW THAT’S TASTY! TUESDAY 4 OCTOBER 2016

MUSICAL MATINÉE

SERVED ON TUESDAYS* AT 1.05PM IN THE ULSTER HALL

What better entrée to a new season of lunchtime concerts than Britten’s light ballet suite based on tunes by Rossini, and music inspired by no less than Victor Hugo (Ruy Blas).

Mendelssohn Overture to Ruy Blas Britten Matinées musicales David Marlow CONDUCTOR

TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2016

A PICNIC IN THE HIGHLANDS

A lover of the British Isles, Mendelssohn’s holidays in Scotland inspired a couple of his most famous creations, including his Symphony No.3, which is full of Highland flavour – brooding themes, songlike melodies, a dash of war and the inevitable storm.

Mozart Overture to La clemenza di Tito Mendelssohn Symphony No.3 Scottish Rafael Payare CONDUCTOR

*And one christmassy thursday

In Partnership with Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival

TUESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2016

SERVED UP IN THE CLASSICAL STYLE

Relax, ‘chill out’ and have your senses awakened as Chief Conductor Rafael Payare brings a varied programme of 20th Century music that also honours the past. In recent years Pärt has achieved popular fame due to his ethereal, minimalistic soundscapes that fill the radio airwaves, whilst Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony has long been an audience favourite.

Stravinsky Danses concertantes Arvo Pärt Fratres Prokofiev Symphony No.1 Classical Rafael Payare CONDUCTOR Ioana Petcu-Colan VIOLIN

THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER 2016

CHRISTMAS DINNER!

Sit down for a musical Christmas feast with your friends in the Ulster Orchestra. This lunchtime concert with a festive twist will include popular classical music associated with Christmas. The perfect antidote and escape from all the chaos of last-minute shopping!

Robert Houlihan CONDUCTOR

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TUESDAY 10 JANUARY 2017

TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2017

TUESDAY 1 MAY 2017

Music inspired by his homeland peppers this musical selection by young Hungarian conductor Gergely Madaras.

Brahms wrote 21 lively dance tunes based on Hungarian themes – here are four of the best. With Les préludes, Franz Liszt invented and composed one of the best examples of the symphonic poem. And take a few minutes out of your lunch break to be delighted by Dohnányi’s sweet-tasting Symphonic Minutes.

Born and brought up in Dublin, Sir Charles Villiers Stanford earned a worldwide reputation in the late 19th Century for his Irish Symphony, followed soon after by his series of Rhapsodies that also had an enormous popular success. Almost a century later, the Ulster Orchestra and the late Vernon Handley introduced Stanford to the ‘CD’ generation, with their acclaimed recordings of his works.

No.5 is based on five Irish melodies and is the perfect introduction to this lunchtime concert.

Rossini loved his grub so much that he retired from composing aged 40 in order to throw dinner parties and entertain his grand stomach, which he called his ‘kettledrum of joy’. But this lunchtime concert is all about music for the soul – one of the finest opera overtures, a short symphony by Schumann and Brahms’ variations on the St Anthony Chorale.

HUNGARIAN DELIGHTS

Dohnányi Symphonic Minutes Liszt Les préludes Brahms Hungarian Dances 1, 3, 5 & 6 Gergely Madaras CONDUCTOR

IRISH RHAPSODY

Stanford Irish Rhapsody No.5 H. Andriessen Ricercare Sibelius En Saga Frank Zielhorst CONDUCTOR

TUESDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2017

WHAT THE WILD FLOWERS TELL ME

Alpesh Chauhan, who deputised so ably for Rafael Payare in spring 2016, serves up three courses of fine German fare, including an intimate arrangement of the beautiful second movement of Mahler’s Symphony No.3 and Wagner’s mighty Tannhäuser, will send you into the afternoon feeling like you can take on the world!

Schumann Overture to Byron’s Manfred Mahler arr. Britten What the Wild Flowers Tell Me Webern Langsamer Satz Wagner Overture to Tannhäuser Alpesh Chauhan CONDUCTOR

TUESDAY 28 MARCH 2017

THE GREAT SYMPHONIES: MOZART’S JUPITER The greatest symphonies are not just for evening concerts: here’s one of Mozart’s best and it’s certainly his brightest and most complex symphony.

Coupled with Richard Strauss’ first concerto for horn, performed by the Ulster Orchestra’s Paul Klein, this makes for a perfect two to enjoy before two.

Strauss Horn Concerto No.1 Mozart Symphony No.41 Jupiter Rafael Payare CONDUCTOR Paul Klein HORN

FEAST YOUR EARS

Rossini Overture to Semiramide Schumann Overture, Scherzo and Finale Brahms Haydn Variations Daniele Rustioni CONDUCTOR

TUESDAY 23 MAY 2017

THE GREAT SYMPHONIES: SCHUBERT’S THE GREAT Throughout 2016/17, both in evening concerts and lunchtimes, the Ulster Orchestra will be performing some of the symphonies that have truly stood the test of time and are now regarded as the masterworks of the genre. This lunchtime, take a dip into Schubert’s majestic Ninth, a work that bears a nickname that few would disagree with.

Schubert Symphony No.9 The Great Rafael Payare CONDUCTOR SUBSCRIBERS SAVE 10% ON LUNCHTIME CONCERTS

BY BOOKING USING THE SUBSCRIPTION BOOKING FORM SUPPORTED BY

50 YEARS OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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GOLDEN FAVOURITES WITH THE ULSTER ORCHESTRA The best Saturday* night out in town! Music to put a smile on your face, a song in your heart and a spring in your step.

On Saturday evenings, the super-versatile Ulster Orchesta performs music to delight every musical taste, young and old. From popular classics as-seen-on-TV, to the awardwinning blockbuster themes of the big screen; from waltzing in Vienna to ‘Walking in the Air’; from Christmas carols to the most beautifully romantic classical music ever written. There are even tributes to Burns and Bond.

Hurry – book early because these golden favourites are going to be popular!

Concerts take place in either the Ulster Hall or Belfast Waterfront.

TICKETS FROM £15 BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.ULSTERORCHESTRA.COM OR CALL 028 90 33 44 55 *and a Thursday and Friday thrown in for good measure!

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TV GOLD! CLASSICAL MUSIC FROM THE SMALL SCREEN Ulster Hall

Saturday 8 October 2016, 7.45pm Christopher Bell Conductor If 'Dance of the Reeds' from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker makes you think of Fruit and Nut, or the Largo from Dvorák’s New World Symphony leaves you craving a slice of bread, then this is the concert for you! A night dedicated to your favourite classical music as heard on TV dramas and adverts, including Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre (Jonathan Creek), Grieg’s 'Morning' from Peer Gynt (Nescafé) and Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves (Lassie).

Image © Snowman Enterprises Ltd.

GOLDEN STATUES – THE BEST OF THE MOVIE SCORES

THE SNOWMAN – FAMILY CHRISTMAS FAVOURITES

‘FIVE GOLD RINGS!’ – SING CAROLS AT CHRISTMAS

Saturday 5 November 2016, 7.45pm

Saturday 3 December 2016, 2.00pm Saturday 3 December 2016, 4.30pm

Thursday 15 December 2016, 7.45pm

Ulster Hall

Ernst van Tiel Conductor If you think film music’s thrilling on the big screen, just wait until you hear it played live and in full symphonic sound quality! From the menace of High Noon and Jaws, to the sweep and majesty of Out of Africa and the alternative worlds of Lord of the Rings and ET, there’s something for everyone in this evening of award-winning scores from Hollywood’s biggest film soundtracks.

Belfast Waterfront

Christopher Bell Conductor Howard Blake’s magical score to The Snowman is the timeless centrepiece to this family concert of Christmas favourites. Start the festive season with this child-friendly-length concert – you’ll be walking in the air!

Ulster Hall

Robert Houlihan Conductor A traditional Christmas celebration in the Ulster Hall! Come along and enjoy your favourite Christmas music and singalong with the Ulster Orchestra to a heart-warming selection of your favourite Christmas carols.

FAMILY TICKET ONLY £45 – SEE P32-34 FOR MORE DETAILS

50 YEARS OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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VIENNESE GOLD – YOUR FAVOURITE NEW YEAR CLASSICS Belfast Waterfront Friday 6 January 2017, 7.45pm Saturday 7 January 2017, 7.45pm Christopher Bell Conductor Vienna! The city of the whirling waltz, pretty polka and attractive aria, as epitomised by the sparkling music of the Strauss dynasty. Set your New Year off to the best possible start with all your favourite light classical pieces, such as Blue Danube Waltz and the Thunder and Lightning Polka.

BURNS NIGHT WITH ULSTER ORCHESTRA AND FRIENDS Belfast Waterfront Saturday 21 January 2017, 7.45pm John Logan Conductor Emily Smith Singer The skirl of the pipes, the whirl of jigs and reels and the romance of the songs of ‘The Bard’ make the ultimate Burns Night celebrations! For this feast of dancing, choirs, singing and music, the Ulster Orchestra is joined by a host of special guests, including the return of award-winning singer Emily Smith, one of Scotland’s most distinctively sublime voices.

An unmissable treat!

Presented in association with the Ulster-Scots Agency.

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GOLDEN MOMENTS – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CLASSICS EVER WRITTEN Ulster Hall Saturday 11 February 2017, 7.45pm Stephen Bell Conductor An evening devoted to the most beautiful classical music ever written. Wash your weekday cares away and be transported by melodies such as Debussy’s Clair de Lune, the Adagio from Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s great ode to ‘love, love, love!’, Romeo and Juliet. Relax and be uplifted – or surprise someone special with a Valentine’s weekend treat.

GOLDFINGER! THE BEST OF JAMES BOND Ulster Hall Saturday 8 April 2017, 7.45pm Stephen Bell Conductor An explosive evening of the very best themes from the James Bond series. Stephen Bell will be the man with the golden baton, leading the Ulster Orchestra through classics from across the decades, from early films such as Goldfinger, right through to the present day and hits such as the Oscarwinning theme to Skyfall. Favourites such as Live and Let Die, Diamonds are Forever and Licence to Kill will leave you shaken and stirred at this fabulous concert!

50 YEARS OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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ULSTER ORCHESTRA PARTNERS NORTHERN IRELAND OPERA

DON GIOVANNI

POWDER HER FACE

Nicholas Chalmers Conductor Oliver Mears Director Annemarie Woods Set & Costume Designer D. M. Wood Lighting Designer Ulster Orchestra

Jan Latham-Koenig Conductor Antony McDonald Director & Designer Fabiana Piccioli Lighting Designer Lucy Burge Movement Director Ulster Orchestra

Don Giovanni, the original Don Juan, seduces his way irresistibly across Europe.

But when seduction turns to murder, a supernatural vengeance awaits him…

In 1963, Britain is rocked by a sensational sex scandal. A famous aristocratic socialite is plunged into the unforgiving world of tabloid journalism. How did it come to this – and where will it end?

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Grand Opera House, Belfast 18 & 19 November 2016

Mozart’s greatest opera comes to the Grand Opera House in a thrilling new production from award-winning Northern Ireland Opera. Featuring some of Mozart’s most glorious and ravishing music, including the famous ‘Champagne’ aria and ‘Là ci darem la mano’, this production has an outstanding international and Irish cast that includes rising European star Henk Neven, leading Northern Irish soprano Aoife Miskelly and renowned British bass Clive Bayley, together with the Northern Ireland Opera chorus and, of course, the Ulster Orchestra in the pit.

Sung in English.

TICKETS: £18 – £46 TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE BOX OFFICE: 028 9024 1919 / www.goh.co.uk

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Thomas Adès Lyric Theatre, Belfast 27-29 January 2017

A worldwide hit since it was first performed, and now a modern classic, Powder Her Face is an acerbic black comedy recounting the sordid affairs and scandalous divorce of the infamous Margaret, Duchess of Argyll – written

by Thomas Adès, one of the greatest living composers of the 21st Century.

The Irish première of this brilliant and hilarious modern opera.

Starring Giselle Allen.

TICKETS: £20 / £15 TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THE LYRIC THEATRE BOX OFFICE: 028 9038 1081 / www.lyrictheatre.co.uk

THE ULSTER ORCHESTRA PATRONS’ SOCIETY

Share our passion for world-class music Would you like to share your love of live classical music with those who have no access to it?

Would you like to get behind-the-scenes access to the Ulster Orchestra, to be involved with our work, our performance and our players?

To play your part in the future work of the Orchestra then please join the Ulster Orchestra Patrons’ Society today, by making a donation.

We offer a tailored programme that offers our valuable supporters bespoke and exciting opportunities such as a quarterly newsletter, access to selected rehearsals and more…

AND …the money raised allows us to further our work with our Music Room learning and community engagement programme, where we aim to bring the pleasure of orchestral music to those who would otherwise have no contact with it.

To enquire about joining the Patrons' Society, please contact Rachel at rachel@ulsterorchestra.com or telephone 028 9023 9900.

You can also make a donation to the work of the Ulster Orchestra on your Subscription Booking Form.

Thank you for your support.

50 YEARS OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

27

WHAT IS THE MUSIC ROOM? We all know that music has the power to transform lives – and the health and educational benefits of classical music are well documented.

As part of the Ulster Orchestra’s vision to be at the heart of Northern Ireland and a major contributor to its quality of life, we launched the Music Room in early 2016. The Music Room is our brand new learning and community engagement programme that now enables the Orchestra to take the power of music to more people, across more communities, than ever before.

FRESH OPPORTUNITIES

The Music Room builds on the success of the Ulster Orchestra’s award-winning work in schools and communities over the past fifty years and is now growing new networks and creating fresh opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with their orchestra and engage with music.

MUSIC FOR EVERYONE

This is not just about developing new audiences; this is also about providing opportunities for everyone to take part in great music-making experiences. If there are individuals, groups or communities who’ve never encountered live orchestral music, we want to reach and delight them through the Music Room.

We believe that music is for everyone and are looking forward to working ever more closely with groups from disadvantaged and minority ethnic communities, people with disabilities and the youngest and oldest in society.

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PROJECTS COMING SOON The Ulster Orchestra’s Music Room is already active throughout Northern Ireland and much more is still to come – we’re flexible enough to allow our plans to be shaped by the people who really matter – our participants and partners.

Look out for:

RESOURCING THE EXPERTS, TRANSFORMING LIVES

The Music Room is all about partnership and the Ulster Orchestra will work with the region’s experts – community groups, schools, youth clubs, health trusts, colleges, choirs, care providers, music services, charity professionals, youth orchestras, other arts organisations and government agencies – to widen access and be a resource of meaningful musical activity that transforms lives across all of Northern Ireland.

NOTHING’S OFF LIMITS!

The Music Room enables the incredible musicians of the Ulster Orchestra to work in all sorts of places and circumstances across Northern Ireland.You’ll find us performing at innovative events, leading workshops, embedded in long-term projects and residencies, mentoring musicians of all ages and, of course, giving concerts in settings as diverse as schools and care homes, prisons and arts centres, village halls and major festivals.

50 YEARS OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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MOVE TO THE MUSIC

Helping isolated older people in rural areas access live orchestral music The Ulster Orchestra’s award-winning Move to the Music scheme is for people aged seventy and over who live alone in rural areas and who would otherwise find it impossible to get out to concerts.

Thanks to the generous support of JTI, our corporate partner, Move to the Music participants receive: • Free access to selected Ulster Orchestra Season concerts • Door-to-door bus transport, to and from the concerts • A concert programme and a cup of tea For many Move to the Music participants these evenings are the only social activities they are able to get out to. As well as an opportunity to appreciate the music they love, performed live by their favourite musicians, they enjoy making new friends at the concerts.

If you know someone who might meet the criteria and would enjoy being part of Move to the Music, why not pick up one of our application forms in the Ulster Hall, visit www.ulsterorchestra.com or call us on 028 9023 9900 to request an application form.

It was excellent having door-to-door pick-ups.

You really look after us with free tea and coffee and a programme. It is a great way to help me socialise and meet new friends!

Vera Kerney, Move to the Music participant

SUPPORTED BY

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THE ULSTER ORCHESTRA AND THE BBC Throughout the last fifty years the lives of the Ulster Orchestra and the BBC have been musically intertwined...

The BBC supports music-making in all its different forms and variety. Orchestral music has been part of the BBC’s work since the early 1920s – nurturing talent, showcasing excellence and making all of this accessible for everyone.

BBC Northern Ireland has a long-established and productive partnership with the Ulster Orchestra.

This includes a busy programme of broadcast concerts and events, and helps to bring great music to audiences at home and around the UK. Quality, innovation and fun are the heart of this special relationship – providing musical experiences that inform, educate and entertain.

For regularly updated information about upcoming BBC concerts and events involving the Ulster Orchestra, and to join the BBC’s mailing list, please visit the BBC website at bbc.co.uk/tickets.You can also find out more about what’s happening and how to get involved on Twitter @bbcnievents and at www.ulsterorchestra.com Peter Johnston, Director BBC Northern Ireland:

We have a very special relationship with the Ulster Orchestra. Its musicians and music-making are at the heart of our big community events. And they’ve provided us with many memorable broadcasting moments – demonstrating how music can inspire, enrich and entertain.

ULSTER ORCHESTRA AT BBC PROMS 2016 SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 2016, 3.45PM BBC Proms: Prom 47 Royal Albert Hall

SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2016, 3.00PM BBC Proms in the Park Northern Ireland Titanic Slipway

UPCOMING BBC INVITATION CONCERTS AT THE ULSTER HALL TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2016, 7.00PM BBC Radio 3 Hear and Now recording, celebrating music by contemporary Northern Ireland composers

WEDNESDAY 3 AUGUST 2016, 1.05PM BBC Radio 3 Summer Invitation Concert FRIDAY 5 AUGUST 2016, 7.45PM BBC Radio 3 Summer Invitation Concert

TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2016, 2.00PM A live edition of BBC Radio 3’s Afternoon on 3, as part of a five day tour of music-making around the UK

WEDNESDAY 10 AUGUST 2016, 1.05PM BBC Radio 3 Summer Invitation Concert FRIDAY 12 AUGUST 2016, 7.45PM BBC Radio 3 Summer Invitation Concert

SUNDAY 15 JANUARY 2017, 3.00PM BBC Radio Ulster’s Classical Connections comes live from the Ulster Hall, featuring the latest classical winners of the BBC Northern Ireland/Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Young Musicians’ Platform Awards

WEDNESDAY 24 AUGUST 2016, 1.05PM BBC Radio 3 Summer Invitation Concert FRIDAY 26 AUGUST 2016, 7.45PM BBC Radio 3 Summer Invitation Concert MONDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2016, 8.00PM BBC Northern Ireland celebration of Music, Literature and Poetry, live on BBC Radio Ulster

TUESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2017, 2.00PM A live edition of BBC Radio 3’s Afternoon on 3, conducted by Rafael Payare

50 YEARS OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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OUR GREAT VALUE TICKET PRICES ULSTER HALL / BELFAST WATERFRONT

For details on how much you can save by booking four or more concerts, go to the pull-out Subscription Booking Form in the centre of your brochure

SEASON 2016/17 CONCERTS: £28, £26, £22, £18, £15.50, £10 ULSTER ORCHESTRA POPULAR FAVOURITES: £30, £25, £20, £15 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL CONCERTS: £37.50, £35, £30, £25, £20 THE SNOWMAN (3 DEC 2016): £15 (£10 children), £45 family ticket LUNCHTIME CONCERTS: all seats only £7.50

TO BOOK CONCERT TICKETS ULSTER HALL / BELFAST WATERFRONT

Subscriptions can be booked from 23 May 2016.

Booking for individual concerts opens Monday 27 June 2015.

CHILDREN UNDER 16 GO FREE!

Now it’s even easier for all the family to enjoy the world’s best music. Children aged 15 or under go free to all Season 2016/17 Concerts, Lunchtime Concerts and most Ulster Orchestra Popular Favourites (excludes The Snowman).

Phone: 028 9033 4455 Open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.

Please note there is a £1.00 charge per ticket for phone bookings by credit/debit card.

HOW IT WORKS: Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Maximum of two free children’s tickets per adult. Additional children £5 each. Children’s tickets for both performances of The Snowman (3 December 2016) are £10 each. 50th Season Celebration Concerts £10 each.

Online: www.ulsterorchestra.com

UNDER 26s ONLY £5

In Person: Visit the Box Office at: Ulster Hall, Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7FF Open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. On performance evenings the Box Office will remain open until 8.30pm.

The Box Office at Belfast Waterfront, Lanyon Place, Belfast BT1 3WH is only open on the day of performance, two hours before the start of the concert.

Other Venues: Booking details for concerts outside Belfast can be found on our website www.ulsterorchestra.com or call for assistance 028 9023 9900.

Vouchers: Gift Vouchers are available in a variety of amounts.

Please contact the Box Office on 028 9033 4455 or visit in person.

Special Assistance: The Ulster Hall and Belfast Waterfront are fully accessible for patrons with disabilities. Please call the Box Office on 028 9033 4455 for wheelchair access details. Should a patron with a disability require essential assistance from a carer to attend a performance, the carer is entitled to free admittance.

Please note that, except for concerts aimed specifically at children, children under the age of 3 are not admitted to performances.

If you’re aged between 16 and 25, or in full-time education (including mature students), you can purchase tickets at any time for only £5.

HOW IT WORKS: You must sign-up online at www.ulsterorchestra.com in advance. Can be booked at any time. Applies to all concerts (Season, Popular Favourites, Lunchtime Concerts) excluding The Snowman and 50th Season Celebration Concerts and is subject to availability. Under 26s tickets for both performances of The Snowman (3 December 2016) are £10 each. The Box Office will allocate seats subject to availability*. Proof of age or valid full-time student card may be requested.

OTHER CONCESSIONS:

Great value tickets starting from £10 are now available for all Season concerts, £15 for Popular Favourites concerts and all tickets are £7.50 for the Lunchtime Concerts. In addition, Subscription discounts are available to frequent concert attenders. Patrons aged 60 and over are entitled to a concession discount of £2 off seats in Price Bands IV, V and VI. Please note that concession discounts are not available in conjunction with a Subscription discount.

If you are of working age and in receipt of unemployment benefit, you can purchase tickets to Season 2016/17 for £5*.

* See page 34 for Booking Terms & Conditions

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BOX OFFICE: 028 9033 4455 // ULSTERORCHESTRA.COM

ULSTER HALL CONCERTS Choir Area: please note that public seating in the Choir Area behind the Orchestra will not be opened unless a concert is nearing capacity. When opened, Choir Area will be priced at £13.50 for Season 16/17 Concerts and £15 Popular Favourite and 50th Anniversary Special Concerts.

Ground Floor, Rows 1-4: please note that for all concerts in 2016/17 the Ulster Orchestra will be utilising an extension to the stage. This will enhance the concert experience, improving acoustics, musician comfort and allow for the performance of larger works with larger ensembles. The front row for all concerts will therefore be Row 5 (restricted view).

Row 5 (Restricted view)

SEASON 16/17 CONCERTS

50th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL CONCERTS GOLDEN FAVOURITES CONCERTS

PRICE BAND I:

£28 (Balcony Blocks B, E & H)

£37.50

£30

PRICE BAND II:

£26 (Balcony Blocks D & F)

£35

£25 (Balcony Blocks C, D, F & G)

PRICE BAND III:

£22 (Balcony Blocks C & G)

£30

PRICE BAND IV:

£18 (Ground Floor)

£25 (Ground Floor)

PRICE BAND V:

£15.50 (Ground Floor sides under balcony and Row 6)

PRICE BAND VI:

£10 (Ground Floor front row (Row 5) and rear seating) £20 (Ground Floor front row (Row 5) and rear seating) £15 (Ground Floor front row (Row 5) and rear seating)

£20 (Ground Floor)

BELFAST WATERFRONT CONCERTS

SEASON 16/17 CONCERTS

50th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL CONCERTS

GOLDEN FAVOURITES CONCERTS

THE SNOWMAN

PRICE BAND I:

£28

£37.50

£30

PRICE BAND II:

£26

£35

£25

PRICE BAND III:

£22

£30 £25

£20

ADULTS: £15 CHILDREN UNDER 16: £10 FAMILY TICKET: £45 (2 ADULTS/2 CHILDREN – ADDITIONAL CHILDREN £5)

£20

£15

PRICE BAND IV:

£18

PRICE BAND V:

£15.50

PRICE BAND VI:

£10

50 YEARS OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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BOOKING FOR FOUR OR MORE CONCERTS IN SEASON 2016/17?

WHY NOT SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE? As an Ulster Orchestra Subscriber you’ll benefit from: • The seats you want* at the best value prices • Discounts of up to 25% • Freedom to choose the concerts in your Subscription package • 10% off tickets for JTI Lunchtime Concerts • Priority booking period • The option to spread the cost

by Standing Order • You’ll be the first to hear about new concerts and seasons To find out more about subscribing to Season 2016/17, go to the pull-out Subscription Booking Form in the centre of your brochure.

Search for us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and concert information!

BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS *Seating area restrictions may apply to some performances. Subject to availability.

Unemployed concession does not apply to ‘Popular Favourites’ concerts.

All discounts and price bands are subject to availability. The Ulster Orchestra reserves the right to introduce ticket discounts at any time. We regret no refunds or exchanges can be made once tickets have been purchased.

All details in this brochure were correct at time of print. The Ulster Orchestra reserves the right to change performance details without prior notice.

You should be aware that when you book your details will be held on the Belfast City Council Box Office computer system. If your consent has previously been indicated

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BOX OFFICE: 028 9033 4455 // ULSTERORCHESTRA.COM

or is given at the time of purchase, this information will be passed to the Ulster Orchestra and from time to time we may contact you with information from the Orchestra. We do not pass your details to any third party organisations. If you feel your consent has been wrongly applied, your details are incorrect or you would like to withdraw from the Ulster Orchestra marketing list, please write to us: Marketing Dept., Ulster Orchestra, Seymour House, 9 Gloucester Street, Belfast BT1 4LS. We welcome feedback and are always pleased to hear from our patrons, both new and long-standing. If you have any comments or questions about any aspect of the Ulster Orchestra, please contact us by post at the address above, online at www.ulsterorchestra.com or by phone on 028 9023 9900. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter!

THANK YOU!

A very warm thank you to all our sponsors, funders and partners PRINCIPAL FUNDING PARTNERS PRINCIPAL FUNDER

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MAJOR SUPPORTERS

CONCERT PARTNERS

SPONSORS

FUNDING PARTNERS

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IN-KIND SUPPORT

CONCERT DIARY

In addition to these concerts, the Orchestra will be popping up in many more places across Belfast and Northern Ireland in its 50th Anniversary Season. Visit our website, Facebook page or Twitter to keep up-to-date.

To book for concerts in the Ulster Hall and Belfast Waterfront call 028 9033 4455 or visit www.ulsterorchestra.com 23 Sept 2016 30 Sept 2016 04 Oct 2016 08 Oct 2016 21 Oct 2016 25 Oct 2016 28 Oct 2016 05 Nov 2016 18 Nov 2016 19 Nov 2016 25 Nov 2016 29 Nov 2016 02 Dec 2016 03 Dec 2016 03 Dec 2016 09 Dec 2016 10 Dec 2016 15 Dec 2016 15 Dec 2016 22 Dec 2016 06 Jan 2017 07 Jan 2017 10 Jan 2017

7.45pm OPENING CONCERT WITH RAFAEL & ALISA 7.45pm 50TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT WITH BARRY DOUGLAS 1.05pm JTI LUNCHTIME CONCERT: MUSICAL MATINÉE 7.45pm TV GOLD! CLASSICAL MUSIC FROM THE SMALL SCREEN 7.45pm EXOTIC STORYTELLERS 1.05pm JTI LUNCHTIME CONCERT: A PICNIC IN THE HIGHLANDS 7.45pm THE GREAT SYMPHONIES: SIBELIUS' FIRST 7.45pm GOLDEN STATUES – THE BEST OF THE MOVIE SCORES 7.30pm NORTHERN IRELAND OPERA: DON GIOVANNI 7.30pm NORTHERN IRELAND OPERA: DON GIOVANNI 7.45pm TCHAIKOVSKY’S EUGENE ONEGIN 1.05pm JTI LUNCHTIME CONCERT: SERVED UP IN THE CLASSICAL STYLE 7.45pm BEETHOVEN’S VIOLIN CONCERTO 2.00pm THE SNOWMAN – FAMILY CHRISTMAS FAVOURITES 4.30pm THE SNOWMAN – FAMILY CHRISTMAS FAVOURITES 7.30pm MESSIAH AT CHRISTMAS 7.30pm MESSIAH AT CHRISTMAS 1.05pm JTI LUNCHTIME CONCERT: CHRISTMAS DINNER! 7.45pm ’FIVE GOLD RINGS!’ – SING CAROLS AT CHRISTMAS 7.45pm COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT 7.45pm VIENNESE GOLD – YOUR FAVOURITE NEW YEAR CLASSICS 7.45pm VIENNESE GOLD – YOUR FAVOURITE NEW YEAR CLASSICS 1.05pm JTI LUNCHTIME CONCERT: HUNGARIAN DELIGHTS

Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Grand Opera House Grand Opera House Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Belfast Waterfront Belfast Waterfront Belfast Waterfront Belfast Waterfront Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Belfast Waterfront Belfast Waterfront Ulster Hall

21 Jan 2017 27 Jan 2017 28 Jan 2017 29 Jan 2017 03 Feb 2017 07 Feb 2017 11 Feb 2017 24 Feb 2017 28 Feb 2017 03 Mar 2017 24 Mar 2017 28 Mar 2017 31 Mar 2017 08 Apr 2017 14 Apr 2017 28 Apr 2017 29 Apr 2017 01 May 2017 20 May 2017 23 May 2017 26 May 2017

7.45pm BURNS NIGHT WITH ULSTER ORCHESTRA AND FRIENDS 7.45pm NORTHERN IRELAND OPERA: POWDER HER FACE 7.45pm NORTHERN IRELAND OPERA: POWDER HER FACE 7.45pm NORTHERN IRELAND OPERA: POWDER HER FACE 7.45pm THE GREAT SYMPHONIES: FRANCK IN D MINOR 1.05pm JTI LUNCHTIME CONCERT: WHAT THE WILD FLOWERS TELL ME 7.45pm GOLDEN MOMENTS – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CLASSICS 7.45pm THE GREAT SYMPHONIES: BEETHOVEN’S PASTORAL 1.05pm JTI LUNCHTIME CONCERT: IRISH RHAPSODY 7.45pm ELGAR’S ENIGMA VARIATIONS 7.45pm THE GREAT SYMPHONIES: THE PATHÉTIQUE 1.05pm JTI LUNCHTIME CONCERT: MOZART’S JUPITER 7.45pm THE GREAT SYMPHONIES: BRAHMS’ FIRST 7.45pm GOLDFINGER! THE BEST OF JAMES BOND 7.45pm FAURÉ REQUIEM AT EASTER 7.45pm LA BOHÈME: OPERA IN CONCERT 7.45pm LA BOHÈME: OPERA IN CONCERT 1.05pm JTI LUNCHTIME CONCERT: FEAST YOUR EARS 7.45pm ODE TO JOY – CELEBRATING 50 SEASONS! 1.05pm JTI LUNCHTIME CONCERT: SCHUBERT’S GREAT 7.45pm THE SEASON’S GRAND FINALE

Belfast Waterfront Lyric Theatre Belfast Lyric Theatre Belfast Lyric Theatre Belfast Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Ulster Hall Belfast Waterfront Ulster Hall Ulster Hall

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Write to us at: ULSTER ORCHESTRA, 9 Gloucester Street, Belfast BT1 4LS www.ulsterorchestra.com info@ulsterorchestra.com Ulster Orchestra is registered as Ulster Orchestra Society Ltd. Reg. No. NI 14222 Reg. Charity No. XN 45445

ORCHESTRA PHOTOGRAPHY: BENJAMIN EALOVEGA DESIGN: WHITENOISESTUDIOS

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