The gifted cellist Richard Harwood makes a welcome return to Medina Theatre on 19th November to perform Dvorak’s Cello Concerto with the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra.
Described by BBC Music Magazine as ‘an articulate musician with zest, spontaneity, technical assurance and a lovely sense of line’, Richard possesses a wealth of talent and experience, having played with leading orchestras across the world.
He made his concerto debut at the age of ten and has held principal positions with the John Wilson Orchestra and, since 2018, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Complete mastery of orchestration
Dvorak’s work is one of the most performed cello concertos worldwide and hails from the composer’s time in America. Full of longing for his homeland and thoughts of love lost, the music demonstrates Dvorak’s complete mastery of orchestration.
He writes wonderfully for the cello and the work’s immense popularity is unsurprising.
‘Festive Overture’ by Shostakovich
The concert begins with the effervescent ‘Festive Overture’ by Shostakovich, a vibrant and energetic curtain-raiser for the orchestra.
‘A London Symphony’ by Ralph Vaughan-Williams
Dominating the second half is ‘A London Symphony’ by Ralph Vaughan-Williams. 2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the composer, celebrated as one of Britain’s finest.
The suggestion that Vaughan-Williams should write a symphony on impressions of Edwardian London was given by George Butterworth, to whom the work is dedicated. The sounds of London are featured in ingenious ways throughout, from the Westminster Chimes to the Lavender Cry.
Where and when
The evening on Saturday 19th November begins at 7.15pm, and the orchestra is delighted to be supporting The Wight Brainy Bunch at all of its concerts this season.
Book now via Medina Theatre’s Website. Tickets are priced at £16 for adults and £7 for children.
Sponsorship from Wightlink is invaluable in helping the orchestra maintain the high quality of their concerts from year to year.
News shared by Gareth on behalf of IWSO. Ed
