TOP NORTH WALES SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SET TO LAUNCH NEW SEASON AT WILLIAM ASTON HALL

A leading North Wales Orchestra is set to launch its 2025/2026 season with a special concert at Wrexham's William Aston Hall.

Wrexham Symphony Orchestra have announced an ambitious and vibrant season of concerts which begins on Sunday 9^th November at 2.30pm. Conducted by Bedwyn Phillips, the orchestra will be joined by renowned solo violinist Madeleine Mitchell for the concert which will feature music on a theme of 'Remembrance' exploring memory and national pride through poignant works that reflect the shadow of war including Grace Williams' Violin Concerto, her Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Rhymes and Edward Elgar's iconic Symphony No.1.

Written in 1940, Grace Williams' 'Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Rhymes' is based on a number of traditional Welsh nursery tunes and lullabies. Although not typical of her work, it brought Grace Williams to prominence and remains her most popular work. Williams wrote her Violin Concerto in 1950. 

One of two completed symphonies, Elgar's Symphony No.1 received its first public performance in December 1908 at The Free Trade Hall in Manchester with Hans Richter conducting the Hallé Orchestra. Its London première soon followed with a performance by the London Symphony Orchestra at The Queen's Hall also conducted by Ritcher. The work soon attracted widespread and unprecedented critical acclaim and achieved what the Musical Times described as "immediate and phenomenal success" with over 100 performances in Britian, Europe and America within a year of its première.

Other highlights in Wrexham Symphony Orchestra's new season at William Aston Hall include a special concert - 'Christmas with WSO' on Sunday 30th November at 2.30pm featuring beloved seasonal classics to kick off the festive season in style. Conducted by Mark Lansom, the orchestra will be joined by soprano Rachael Hughes. 

Following on from the Christmas concert, the orchestra will return to William Aston Hall in February with 'Adventurer' - a symphonic celebration of nature’s grandeur, with bold brass and sweeping strings evoking serene Nordic landscapes. Featuring pianist Luke Jones with a performance of Edvard Grieg’s ever popular Piano Concerto. Conducted by Jonanthan Small, the programme will also feature works by Imogen Holst and Sibelius. 

In May, the orchestra will present 'Wonder' which will commemorate 150 years since Wrexham’s “Year of Wonder” in 1876. Conducted by  Richard Howarth, the concert will  feature Rossini’s Thieving Magpie, Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, De Falla’s Three Cornered Hat, and a world premiere by local composer Lucy Holmes.  

The 2025/26 season will conclude in July with 'Vitality' featuring music by Antonín Dvořák, Florence Price, and Anna Clyne, celebrating the raw power of nature and the human spirit. Soloist Rachel Stonham will join forces with her sister and conductor Katherine Stonham for a performance of Dvořák’s violin concerto and what promises to be a dynamic and high-energy finale.

Speaking about the new season, Matthew Ellis, Chair of Wrexham Symphony Orchestra (WSO) said:

"WSO is proud to announce its 2025–2026 concert season, promising a vibrant journey through memory, celebration, nature, and musical wonder. As the Orchestra in Residence at the William Aston Hall, we continue to work with Theatr Clwyd and Wrexham University to enrich North Wales with fantastic performances, bringing top quality musicians to your doorstep. We look forward to welcoming audiences old and new to what we know will be an exciting season of music."

Full details of Wrexham Symphony Orchestra's new season of concerts can be found at: 

www.wrexhamorch.co.uk

...where tickets can be booked online.

Pictured - Wrexham Symphony Orchestra will launch its new season of concerts at William Aston Hall.