The Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra is looking forward to an exciting 2026 – 27 concert season, featuring superb music and world-class soloists.
Season opens with Britten anniversary
On Saturday 7th November 2026, the orchestra welcomes pianist Arthur Kokerai, a fabulous player currently studying with Joanna McGregor at London’s Royal Academy of Music. Arthur will perform Britten’s effervescent Piano Concerto in the 50th anniversary year of the composer’s death. The concert also includes Glazunov’s colourful orchestral masterpiece, ‘The Seasons’.
Rising star violinist in January
On Saturday 16th January, violinist Mathilde Milwidsky will perform Lalo’s sparkling ‘Symphonie espagnole’. Mathilde is a Classic FM Rising Star and was also listed as One to Watch by Gramophone Magazine. The orchestra, led by guest conductor Paul Ingram, will also perform Brahms’s magnificent Symphony No. 2.
Award-winning harpist takes the stage
The concert on Saturday 20th March features virtuoso harp soloist Heather Brooks who made her concerto debut at the Barbican in 2024, following this by winning first prize at the UK Harp Competition in 2025. Heather will dazzle the audience with the exquisite Harp Concertino by Germaine Tailleferre.
Cello concerto and Ives in May
Cellist Gemma Rosefield is guest soloist on Saturday 15th May, performing Charles Stanford’s lyrical Cello Concerto. Gemma is a Professor of Cello at the Royal Academy of Music and has recorded the concerto with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
She is also a member of the renowned Ensemble 360. The varied programme also includes the outstanding Symphony No. 2 by Charles Ives.
Season closes with young flautist
The season concludes on Saturday 3rd July with a concert featuring exciting young flute soloist Emme Hensel, currently co-principal flautist with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. Emme will perform Cécile Chaminade’s elegant Flute Concertino in D in a concert that also features the spectacular Danzón No. 2 by Márquez and Khachaturian’s ‘Masquerade Suite’.
49th season and sponsorship
This will be the IWSO’s 49th season of classical music and the orchestra wishes to thank its many loyal supporters, and Wightlink for their continuing sponsorship of the Island’s cultural life.
See the IWSO website for more information and to book your season tickets.
News shared by Gareth on behalf of IWSO. Ed
