GUEST SOLOIST SET TO JOIN CHESTER ORCHESTRA FOR CATHEDRAL CONCERT

Final preparations are underway as one of Chester's top orchestras is set to be joined by an acclaimed soloist for a concert at Chester Cathedral.

Chester Philharmonic will stage the autumn concert at the cathedral on Saturday 15th November at 7.30pm.  The concert will feature music by Shostakovich, Strauss and Rachmaninov, with the orchestra under the baton of guest conductor Stephen Threlfall. 

The orchestra will be joined by its special guest soloist, oboist Jonathan Small who will perform Richard Strauss' Oboe Concerto. Written  by Strauss in 1945, the Oboe Concerto was one of the final works he composed towards the end of his life, during what is often described by biographers, journalists and music critics as his "Indian summer." It received it's premiere in Zurich in 1946 with its British premiere taking place at The Proms later the same year.  

A renowned oboist, Jonathan Small also enjoys a parallel career as a much sought after conductor. Jonathan stepped down from his position as Principal Oboist with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in May 2024 after 40 seasons. Since then, he has been more active as a conductor but has also played as a featured artist at the Ulverston International Festival, and played as guest principal oboe with the Hallé. Jonathan teaches at the RNCM, Manchester where many of his former students have gone on to secure careers and positions in orchestras and universities in the UK and abroad. 

In addition to Strauss' Oboe Concerto, the concert will also feature Shostakovich's Festive Overture and Rachmaninov's Symphony No.3. Written by Shostakovich in 1954, the Festive Overture was commissioned for the Bolshoi Theatre's celebration of the 37th anniversary of the October Revolution, the score has since become one of the most enduring of Shostakovich's occasional scores. Written between 1935 and 1936, Rachmaninov's Symphony No.3 received its premiere in November 1936 with Leopold Stokowski conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra. 

Chester Philharmonic Orchestra will once again be joined by guest conductor Stephen Threlfall.  Formally Director of Music at Chetham's School of Music, Stephen is a highly acclaimed conductor with many years' experience directing orchestras and ensembles. A passionate and dedicated musician, for many years, Stephen was sub-principal Cellist with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. As a conductor, he is committed to bring out the best from his players enabling them to deliver unforgettable musical experiences. Stephen is well known for his ability to communicate with musicians and audiences alike. He has received praise for his approach from Nina Bernstein-Simmons, daughter of celebrated conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, who said of Stephen "Stephen Threlfall reminded me so much of my father as he moulded their performances, always leading with love, never fear."

Speaking about the concert, Diana Anderson, the chair of Chester Philharmonic Orchestra said:

"We are delighted to launch our brand new season of concerts in the historic surroundings of Chester Cathedral. We are pleased to be joined our wonderful soloist, oboist Jonathan Small and our esteemed guest conductor Stephen Threlfall for what promises to be a superb evening of music."

Full details of Chester Philharmonic's 2025/26 season of concerts can be found at: 

www.chesterphilorchestra.co.uk 

...where tickets can be booked online.

Alternatively, tickets can be booked in person at the Chester Cathedral Box Office.