Trips abroad are often memorable and recorded through photographs etc.  However, several composers have left legacies of their visits to other countries through their musical output.  Berlioz’s great love of Italy, Rome in particular, inspired two of our chosen works. The raw excitement of a Roman Carnival, and the symphonic representation of wandering through scenic Italy, “Harold in Italy” for solo viola, harp and orchestra, inspired by Byron’s ‘Childe Harold’, provide a fantastic feast of vibrant and reflective music for audience and players alike!

By contrast, Joseph Haydn’s professional life brought him to work in England where he was commissioned to compose works for two key cities, Oxford and London. It is for the latter that he penned his final symphonies and the last of those, No. 104, that we will be performing - by way of some light relief!

Programme details

• Berlioz, Roman Carnival Overture
• Berlioz, Harold in Italy, with soloist Suzie Fawden
• Haydn, ‘London’ Symphony No. 104