Derbyshire orchestra celebrates 40th anniversary at cathedral concert

Sinfonia Viva, the East Midlands’ professional orchestra, will perform at Derby Cathedral on Wednesday, May 4.

The diverse programme will feature newly-commissioned work and seasoned favourites with audiences throughout the past four decades.

Lucy Galliard, new chief executive of the Derby based orchestra, said: “Sinfonia Viva is a much-loved and creative orchestra which is committed to inclusivity and diversity – both in our own organisation and in making high quality orchestral music accessible to everyone across the region and beyond.

“We therefore wanted to make this 40th anniversary celebration concert a representation of our core values by showcasing emerging and female talent; commissioning new creative work; the power of music in improving people’s well-being as well as our pride in the city that has been our home for so many years.”

Female talent will be at the fore in the concert. Bulgarian-born conductor Delyana Lazarova - a young artist with a quickly growing international career – will take the baton for the first time with Sinfonia Viva.

Orchestra leader Sophie Rosa is the soloist for Beethoven’s beautiful ‘Romance No.2 in F for violin and orchestra’.

A highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of a new work by internationally- renowned composer and violinist Preetha Narayanan which has been created in collaboration with Sing Viva – the orchestra’s popular carers’ choir.

The programme will also feature ‘Rain, Steam and Speed’ by award winning composer Cecilia McDowall. The piece has also been chosen to celebrate Derby’s heritage as a railway city and is inspired by Turner’s painting of the same name which depicts a broad gauge engine steaming across Maidenhead Viaduct - one of Brunel’s greatest achievements.

The concert will open with Raph Clarkson’s ‘A Call from on High’ which was specially commissioned by Sinfonia Viva and was first performed in 2017 from Derby Cathedral’s historic tower.

Other pieces will include Bartok’s ‘Romanian Folk Dances’ – a particular favourite with Viva audiences over the years - and the final piece is Mozart’s ‘Symphony No.40’ which is instantly recognisable and remains one of the most beloved pieces of music ever created.

To add to the evening’s magic, the concert will take place under the beautiful lights and visually-stunning Peace Doves art installation created by renowned sculptor and artist Peter Walker.

Audience members are invited to attend a post concert reception where Sinfonia Viva’s new Friends Scheme will be launched. Members will have the opportunity to support the orchestra with vitally-needed funds which directly support Sinfonia Viva’s work in schools, community and performance venues throughout the region, and will receive special invitations and behind the scenes insights into their work.

Lucy Galliard concluded: “We are very much looking forward to celebrating our 40th anniversary with old friends and new audience members at Derby Cathedral.

“This will be an opportunity for us to showcase the incredible talent and versatility of our players – some of whom have been with us throughout our 40-year history.

“Having survived the turbulence of the past two years, it will also be an opportunity for everyone to again experience the power of live orchestral music in the wonderful cathedral.”

Tickets start from £10 and can be booked on www.sinfoniaviva.co.uk/Event/sinfonia-viva-40th-anniversary-concert