Surrey Mozart Players are delighted to welcome back soloist Alexei Watkins to perform Richard Strauss’s 1st Horn Concerto — a perfect showcase for his talents and indeed for the instrument itself, exploring every aspect of the French horn from heroic virtuosity and power to heart-felt introspection. The composer’s horn playing father could not have wished for a greater gift from his son.
We then present the world premiere of Paul Vowles’ Rise and Redemption in the new version for chamber orchestra. Commissioned by Surrey Mozart Players, this magical contemporary evocation of classical mythology enjoyed a hugely successful premiere in its original Trio form last year.
We are used to hearing Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition in Ravel’s massive scoring for vast orchestra, but Christian Lindberg’s brilliant new chamber orchestration proves that all the wonderful variety and characterisation of Mussorgsky’s vision can shine through with more modest forces. Haydn’s stormy, dramatic early symphonic masterpiece completes this unmissable programme.
