WREXHAM ORCHESTRA PREPARES TO STAGE FIRST CONCERT OF 2025

Final rehearsals are underway for a concert in Wrexham which aims to show the uniting power of music with a programme that brings the music of Eastern Europe and the USA together.

Wrexham Symphony Orchestra will stage the concert entitled "East Meets West" at the William Aston Hall, Wrexham University on Sunday 23rd February 2025 at 2.30pm.

The concert will open with Polish composer Lutosławski’s 'Little Suite' followed by Tchaikovsky’s famous violin concerto in D Major. The performance will also feature Copland’s “El Salon Mexico” which will evoke the sights and sounds of Central America. Other highlights include a suite from Leonard Bernstein’s “On the Town”, from the musical and mid 20th century Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra film of the same name and Copland's suite from his Wild West ballet “Rodeo”, featuring the ever-popular “Hoe-Down”.

The orchestra will be joined by guest conductor Stephen Threlfall and soloist Elizaveta Saul. Formally Director of Music at Chetham's School of Music, Stephen Threlfall is a highly acclaimed conductor with many years' experience directing orchestras and ensembles. A passionate and dedicated musician 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, daughter of celebrated conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein (whose work features in the concert) who said of Stephen "Stephen Threlfall reminded me so much of my father as he moulded their performances, always leading with love, never fear."    

The orchestra's guest solo artist, violinist Elizaveta Saul has given recitals throughout the UK, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France and Norway, with her UK appearances including Wigmore Hall, The Royal Festival Hall and The Royal Albert Hall. Her concerto engagements include Croydon Symphony, Guildford Symphony, Chetham’s Symphony and Belarussian Symphony and Chamber orchestras. Elizaveta is a recent graduate of the Royal College of Music where she completed both her Bachelor of Music and Master of Performance degrees, achieving First Class and Distinction respectively. As an active chamber music performer, she has collaborated with world class musicians such as Peter Frankl and worked alongside Carducci and Harlem quartets, as well as being a member of LGT Young Soloists. She has appeared as the leader of RCM Symphony, Opera and Philharmonic orchestras on numerous occasions and recorded at Abbey Road Studios.

Speaking about the concert, Matthew Ellis, the Chairman of Wrexham Symphony Orchestra said:

"We are delighted to be staging our first concert of the year at the William Aston Hall. In 'East Meets West', the orchestra hopes to show that music is the one thing that can unite us all, transcending politics and other differences. We are looking forward to performing an exciting and varied programme.  We are pleased to welcome our guest conductor Stephen Threlfall back to the podium and talented young soloist, violinist Elizaveta Saul for what promises to be a dynamic and thrilling concert."

Full details of Wrexham Symphony Orchestra's concert at William Aston Hall can be found at: 

www.wrexhamorch.co.uk 

...where tickets can be booked online.

Pictured - Solo Violinist Elizaveta Saul.