Royal Northern Sinfonia

Chamber music on a grand scale

Chamber concerts by members of our great local orchestra, the Royal Northern Sinfonia, are always something special.

This afternoon’s concert will be no exception. Twelve members of the orchestra perform a programme of three contrasting works from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The programme begins with Gustav Holst's Wind Quintet, an early work by the composer best known for The Planets. Holst was a trombonist, and his understanding of brass and wind instruments shines through this delightful short piece.

Brahms's attractive first string sextet is also an early work, written when the composer was just 27. Scored for the unusual combination of two violins, two violas and two cellos, it is beautiful, melodic and romantic music.

The concert ends with the treat that is Louis Spohr's joyful and lively Nonet for wind and strings.  It caused a sensation when it was first performed in 1813.

Programme

Holst - Wind Quintet, op. 14

Brahms - String Sextet no. 1 in B flat major, op. 18

Spohr - Nonet in F major, op. 31

Photo credit: TyneSight Photographic