Northern Chamber Orchestra And Beautiful Beethoven

ON ST GEORGE'S DAY, Monday 23 April, the Northern Chamber Orchestra is performing Beethoven and Berwald Septets in the glorious surroundings of the medieval Chetham's School of Music.

The programme is full of contrasts - both in styles and instruments. 

The concert by the NCO Soloists marks the start of an exciting, new partnership between the Northern Chamber Orchestra and Chetham’s School of Music.

It will be the first time NCO has played at Chetham’s and it provides a fantastic opportunity for Manchester audiences to hear world-class players from one of the country’s finest chamber orchestras.

The programme is full of contrasts - both in styles and instruments. Strauss’s highly entertaining musical romp is followed by two Septets, which were written within twenty years of each other – the first by Berwald (known as ‘Sweden’s Schubert’) followed by Beethoven’s early masterpiece.

The seven players - clarinet, horn, bassoon, violin, viola, cello and double bass - are an unusual grouping but make the perfect combination for Beethoven’s most popular work in his lifetime - his Septet (so massively popular and much-played, the composer grew tired of the unceasing accolades).  

 Although in a serenade style with six movements, it is remarkably innovative in its choice of instruments and a great favourite of the musicians.

“It’s such a privilege to have the opportunity to play this great piece – full of wonderful tunes and solos for everyone,” said the orchestra’s Principal Clarinettist, Elizabeth Jordan. 

Written twenty years later and influenced by the popular Beethoven Septet, the Swedish romantic composer Franz Berwald also wrote abeautiful and rarely-performed Septet using the same instruments. 

7.30pm start time. Tickets are £10 - concessions for students, children and unwaged £5. Available from the NCO Box Office: 0161 247 2220

Tickets also available on the door. More at www.ncorch.co.uk