'Quite cool' night at the orchestra as venue welcomes next generation of musicians

A night at the orchestra left young audiences declaring classical music "quite cool.

Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra brought new energy to the stage on Saturday, February 28 with its Favourite Classics for February concert at The Anvil welcoming 200 young musicians and their families with complimentary tickets. The event aimed to introduce the next generation to the excitement of a live symphony orchestra, with many in the audience experiencing the music for the first time.

Emma Gentry, who attended with her sons, said: “We had such a lovely tme. It was a fantastic experience, and our two boys even declared that it was actually ‘quite cool’, which I think is high praise indeed!

"It was such a wonderful opportunity for them (and for us) to experience a live orchestra, something we wouldn’t normally have had the chance to do. We’re very grateful for such a special evening."

The concert opened with Rossini’s Overture to The Thieving Magpie and featured Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, performed by Thomas Luke.

Thomas also played his own piece, Texas Spirits, from his new album and spent time chatting with young audience members during the interval and after the performance.

Following the break, the orchestra performed Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 in A minor, known as the "Scottish."

Chair of the orchestra, Ann Henshaw,  welcomed the audience and reaffirmed the orchestra’s mission to make classical music accessible and inspiring for all ages.

The Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra’s next performance takes place on Saturday, June 27.

The concert will feature Classic FM rising star Kasparas Mikužis performing Gershwin’s Piano Concerto.

Tickets are already on sale from The Anvil box office.

Tickets for under-16s cost just £3 (when accompanied by an adult), and other tickets start at £13.50.

Full details are available at www.bso.org.uk or from The Anvil box office at 01256 844244 and www.anvilarts.org.uk.

Article fromThe Basingstoke Gazette