Two major symphonies in one Baltic celebration

The orchestra at a previous concert at the church

It takes place at All Saints’ Church in Leamington on Saturday July 2 at 7.30pm.

Titled Scenes from the Baltic, it includes masterpieces from Russia and Scandinavia including the Helios Overture by Nielsen, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 2 and Sibelius’s fifth symphony.

Nielsen’s Helios Overture was written in 1903 and is one of his most famous pieces. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 2 in C minor was composed in 1872 and was nicknamed the ‘Little Russian’ because of his use of three Ukrainian folk songs in the work. At the time, Ukraine was frequently called ‘Little Russia’.

Sibelius’s Symphony No 5 in E flat major is a much-loved orchestral work whose motifs have been appropriated by a number of pop songs.

Composed in 1915 to mark Sibelius’s 50th birthday, declared a national holiday in Finland, it showcases much of Sibelius’s signature orchestral style.

The concert, the last of the orchestra’s 76th season, is conducted by Roger Coull, its principal conductor.

Orchestra chair and principal horn player Raymond Joyce said: “We are pleased to welcome back Roger for our last concert of the season.

“This is a glorious concert of fabulous orchestral music and it is a real treat to play two major symphonies in one concert.

“We are looking forward to bringing them to All Saints’ Church in what promises to be an excellent concert.”

Tickets cost £12 or £5 for concessions and are avail-able from Presto Classical in Leamington, from the website at www.wso.org.uk or by calling 850385.