A mass of 60 singers from choirs across Leicestershire will join the DMU Orchestra next week for a very special performance of Beethoven’s famous 9th symphony.
The concert on Saturday 17 June, will celebrate DMU Orchestra’s first birthday and also feature a world premiere of a new commission for Soprano and Orchestra by celebrated composer and Philharmonia Cellist Richard Birchall.
DMU Music has organised the birthday bash, which is the latest instalment in a series of performances by the DMU Orchestra following their visit to HM Prison Leicester in January of this year.
Leicester’s fabulously decorated Church of St James the Greater will be the perfect venue for what is set to be a very special occasion.
The Orchestra will be conducted by Musical Director, Samuel Burstin, an international award-winning conductor who has made appearances conducting the Orchestra Philharmonique de Radio France and in Russia with the Taterstan National Symphony Orchestra.
He has also played viola with the Philharmonia and the BBC National Orchestras of Wales, New Zealand Symphony plus many more before joining DMU in 2016.
Four incredible soloists; Belinda Evans, Vanessa Heine, Adam Tunnicliffe and Stephen Kennedy will help perform the piece as they continue their year-long relationship with DMU.
Accompanying Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Richard’s premiere piece, the celebratory Brahms ‘Academic Festival Overture’ will also feature.
RELATED NEWS
DMU Orchestra hit the right note at historic Leicester Prison Concert
DMU announces exciting partnership with internationally-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra
Emerging jazz band announced for DMU's international series
Speaking ahead of the concert, Richard said: “It is remarkable what has been achieved in such a short time and a lovely opportunity for me to contribute to the continuation of that progress at such a significant occasion for the orchestra.
“As a composer it’s invaluable to form a productive and continuing relationship with artists and institutions; I find an inspiring level of enthusiasm, creativity and positive will at DMU and it is a real privilege to work together. It is a place where things aren’t just talked about, they really happen.
“On the day, I will be working with Belinda (Evans) and the orchestra during the afternoon rehearsal and then with any luck I will be sitting comfortably in the audience for a magnificent and celebratory content and I can’t wait to hear Sam’s rendition of Beethoven 9.”
Over the last two months, DMU’s Music Department has released a series of videos which feature various performers and influential figures within the music arena, offering their thoughts on what classical music means to them.
Richard Birchall (pictured) performs at the Chancellors Concert at De Montfort Hall with the Philharmonia Orchestra.
The campaign, #LoveClassical was aimed at building the excitement for the concert, which is hoped will become an annual occasion.
Staff and students have also had the opportunity to enter a ballot for the concert to be in with a chance of winning one of 16 free tickets.
16 lucky winners will get to experience the concert, completely free of charge.
Doors will open at 7pm with the concert beginning at 7:30pm.
Tickets for the concert will cost £5 and can be purchased from the DMUmusic office- music@dmu.ac.uk.
Posted on Saturday 10 June 2017