Final Derby Dates Reflect Sinfonia Viva’s Dazzling Diversity
The final two dates of regional orchestra Sinfonia Viva’s Derby concert series showcase the diversity that has earnt the Orchestra a national reputation, according to CEO Lucy Galliard.
Sinfonia Viva has been performing a wide range of concerts in the city as part of its first Derby season since the pandemic – featuring performances from world class artists, the world premiere of a new commission, an education residency and family-friendly shows.
The final performances celebrate the Orchestra’s re-forged relationship with Derby Cathedral Choir and further cement the new partnership with Derby Museums.
On Saturday March 2, Sinfonia Viva will team up with Derby Cathedral Choir for a concert combining beautiful orchestral and choral music.
The evening concert will be under the baton of Derby Cathedral Director of Music Alexander Binns and will feature solos from Orchestra Leader Sophie Rosa, soprano Fflur Wyn and countertenor William Towers.
The first half of the concert features a series of short and stunningly beautiful choral pieces composed by musicians working in Venice, Spain and England’s own Thomas Tallis. These uplifting choral works are contrasted with orchestral music by Purcell and Flemish composer Leonora Duarte who is widely recognised as one of the earliest female composers of instrumental music. Sophie Rosa closes the first half of the concert with Vivaldi’s show stopping Violin Concerto in A Minor.
After the interval, the Orchestra and Cathedral Choir are joined by Soprano Fflur Wyn and countertenor William Towers to perform Pergolesi’s beautiful and melancholic Stabat Mater which was written just days before he died aged just 26.
The series finale will be an afternoon interactive family concert at the Museum of Making on Sunday March 10 entitled ‘Wait..What?!’ which explores some of the biggest mysteries asked by curious children everywhere.
Sinfonia Viva has won several national awards for their family-friendly shows which have been performed to sell-out audiences across the East Midlands for several years and ‘Wait… What?!’ was composed by Jack Ross and specially-commissioned by the orchestra.
Mr Ross performs live, leading a quartet of Sinfonia Viva musicians, while dancer David Ogle and live illustrator Eleanor Meredith create the sights and shapes of the story. The performance is fully inclusive with BSL interpretation by Sarah Gatford.
After the one-hour show families will have the chance to meet the musicians, take part in family-friendly activities and explore the Museum of Making’s multitude of interactive exhibits. Every family in the audience will also receive a Wait… What?! book and a code to download the music so they can relive the performance again and again.
Sinfonia Viva chief executive Lucy Galliard explained: “As the East Midlands’ only professional orchestra, we are particularly proud of our Derby roots and the support we receive in our home city.
“The response from audiences to the first Derby concert series since the pandemic has been incredible with several performances sold out and wonderful audience feedback for the players, guest conductors and soloists.
“The concert series has also been the chance to forge strong relationships with Derby Museums and with Derby Cathedral who have been so supportive of our desire to showcase the different aspects of our work – from concert-giving to interactive family fun.
“I hope that the series has reignited the city’s passion for classical music in all its forms and a sense of pride that Derby is one of only a handful of cities in the UK which is the home to a professional orchestra.”