Staff from the University’s Music Department are closely involved in the new season launch given by SÓN, Southampton’s professional orchestra, at the end of this month.
Tchaikovsky Unwrapped is at Southampton’s Turner Sims on Saturday 30 September at 19:30. Tickets are priced from £9 – £24. Call: +44(0)23 8059 5151 or book online by clicking here.
Picture caption: SÓN performing on their home stage at Southampton’s Turner Sims. (credit: Chris Christodoulou)
Head of Keyboard, BBC presenter and classical pianist David Owen Norris delves into the music of Tchaikovsky, joined on stage by the University’s Conducting lecturer and SÓN founder, Robin Browning.
Alongside Owen Norris and Browning, other university staff and students play a part both onstage and behind the scenes. Julian Poore, Head of Brass and member of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, sits in the principal trumpet’s chair, and alumni Rebecca Koopmans, now studying at postgraduate level at the Royal College of Music, plays bassoon appearing as part of the orchestra’s “Masterclass” scheme, offering experience to gifted young professionals. SÓN are also supported by students as part of their internship scheme, too.
Tchaikovsky Unwrapped features an exploration beneath the surface of the great Russian composer’s Fifth Symphony, and offers the audience a deeper understanding of this superb masterpiece. The concert showcases live musical extracts from both piano and the orchestra, followed by a complete performance of the Symphony in the second half.
Last year’s Eroica Unwrapped saw Classic FM’s John Suchet join with SÓN to uncover the music of Beethoven, with Suchet describing the orchestra as:
“Stunning… they play with passion and commitment – I enjoyed every minute of working with them”
