Alexander Sitkovetsky IWSO Nov 2014

Symphony Orchestra returns to Medina this Saturday

Thanks to Tim for this reminder of the season of concerts starting this Saturday. Ed


The season begins on 15th November with a concert that features the welcome return of the popular violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky.

Alexander will be performing the wonderfully melodic violin concerto by Sibelius. The day after the concert, Alexander will be going over to Europe on tour as soloist with the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra. Also in this concert will be the ever popular 2nd Symphony by Rachmaninov.

Moving into next year
The second concert (January 24th 2015) will feature an all English programme culminating in Elgar’s epic 2nd Symphony.

The third concert (March 21st) will open with the popular Polonaise and Waltz from Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky. The Orchestra will then welcome one of their own, Flautist Siobhan Cosgrove to perform Ibert’s lyrical Flute Concerto.

The last two concerts
The penultimate concert (16th May sponsored by The Esplanade Garage) will feature a mainly Germanic repertoire including the Meistersinger Overture by Wagner and the 2nd Symphony by Brahms. The concert will also see the return of the mezzo soprano Megan Quick to perform Mahler’s “Songs of the Wayfarer”. Regular concert goers will remember Megan from a couple of seasons ago when she gave a mesmerising performance of “Sea Pictures” by Elgar.

The final concert of the season (FRIDAY 3rd July 7.45pm) will be a bit of a party! The orchestra is trying a Friday night concert for a change (Friday night is music night)? This will be a concert to welcome the American day of Independence.

Vic McLean

The Orchestra will welcome back the ever popular pianist Viv McLean (pictured above) to perform two works by Gershwin. The ever popular Rhapsody in Blue, but also the less well known variations on “I Got Rhythm”. To celebrate American film music (and the release of the latest film in the saga) the Orchestra will be performing the theme tune to Jurassic Park (well we are famed as the Jurassic Island)!

The concert will conclude with Sousa’s March Stars and Stripes forever.

Where and when
Apart from the final concert, all concerts will start at 7.15pm. As usual the concerts will be held at the Medina Theatre, Newport.

Tickets for ALL the concerts are now on sale from the Medina Theatre Box Office (tel: 527020).

More about the Orchestra and the concerts can be found on the Orchestra’s website.

Image: © Alexander Sitkovetsky