We welcome conductor Michael Coleby to CGCO for the first time to our winter 2025 concert featuring the mighty 1st Symphony by Mendelssohn
Programme
Malcolm Arnold: Serenade for Small Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 1
Tickets
Just select the ticket types and quantity and click ‘Add’:
Adult tickets: £18
Concessions: £13
Under 16: £8
Once you’ve selected your tickets, click on the shopping cart icon in the top menu to complete your purchase
Gift Card: The Perfect Present
Give the gift of music to someone you love! We now offer 4x gift card values that can be used to purchase tickets, drinks or even orchestra subscriptions for members. Click the button to find out more.
Malcolm Arnold: Serenade for Small Orchestra
Malcolm Arnold's "Serenade for Small Orchestra," composed in 1949, is a remarkable work that showcases the composer’s distinctive blend of wit, charm, and lyrical invention. Designed for a reduced orchestral ensemble, the piece reflects Arnold's mastery in crafting engaging melodies and intricate textures while maintaining a sense of intimacy and immediacy.
The composition is structured in five movements, each exhibiting different moods and stylistic influences. The opening movement features vibrant orchestral colour, setting a playful tone that invites the listener into Arnold's imaginative world. This is followed by a lyrical second movement, characterised by its haunting melodies and delicate interplay between the instruments.
The third movement introduces a lively scherzo, filled with rhythmic vitality and characteristic Arnold humour. The fourth movement shifts to a more introspective character, evoking a sense of nostalgia and introspection through its expressive themes. Finally, the work culminates in an exuberant finale that recalls motifs from earlier movements, celebrating the energy and dynamism of the ensemble.
Overall, Arnold's "Serenade for Small Orchestra" is not only a testament to his ingenuity as a composer but also a delightful exploration of the capabilities of a small orchestra, making it a cherished piece in the chamber repertoire.
Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Vaughan Williams' "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" is a compelling orchestral work that reflects the composer’s deep reverence for the English choral tradition. Composed in 1910, the piece is built on an original theme from Tallis' 1567 hymn "Why fum’th in fight?" This innovative arrangement showcases Vaughan Williams' gift for lush harmonies and rich textures, creating a soundscape that evokes the pastoral beauty of the English countryside.
The work is structured for string orchestra and features a unique arrangement. It employs a string quartet, which serves as a focal point, juxtaposed with a larger string body to create intricate dialogues and harmonies. The textures are layered, allowing the rich sonorities of the strings to emerge in a way that evokes both introspection and grandeur.
The remainder of the piece unfolds with an ethereal quality, transitioning through various moods and featuring moments of tension and resolution. The use of thematic development is particularly striking; Vaughan Williams revisits and transforms the initial theme, guiding the listener through a spiritual and emotional journey.
"Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" is not only a homage to its Tudor roots but also a striking reflection of early 20th-century British identity. It has remained a vital work in the orchestral repertoire, celebrated for its ability to resonate with audiences through its timelessness and lyrical beauty.
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 1
Composed when he was just 15 years old, the symphony showcases the remarkable talent and promise of a young composer. Premiered in 1829, this symphony exemplifies the classical form while incorporating the lyrical elements characteristic of Mendelssohn's style.
The symphony unfolds over four movements, beginning with an Allegro di molto that presents a vigorous and dynamic theme. This opening sets the tone of youthful exuberance, complemented by intricate orchestration that highlights the interplay between the various sections of the orchestra.
The second movement, Andante, offers a contrast with its lyrical and serene quality. Here, Mendelssohn employs rich melodic lines and harmonic textures, creating a gentle atmosphere that showcases the emotional depth present in his early work.
The third movement, Scherzo: Allegro, returns to a lively character, filled with rhythmic vitality and playful motifs. This movement highlights Mendelssohn's affinity for dance-like rhythms and showcases his ability to blend humour with elegance.
Finally, the symphony concludes with a triumphant Allegro con fuoco. This energetic finale brings back themes from earlier movements, culminating in a stirring and optimistic finish that reflects Mendelssohn’s youthful spirit and ambition.
Overall, Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 1 stands as an impressive early testament to his compositional prowess, foreshadowing the rich and expressive music that would define his later works.
Michael Coleby
Based in London, conductor Michael Coleby has a particular interest in contemporary music and collaborating with composers. At the age of 25 he made his professional debut, conducting the Deutsche Sinfonie - Orchester Berlin.
Formerly a cellist in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, Michael started conducting whilst studying for a degree in Music at the University of Bristol.
St. Peter’s Church, Notting Hill
The venue for our concert is St Peter's Church in Notting Hill, a building of notable architectural quality, listed Grade II*. The interior of the building is very elaborate, with many of the pillars boasting gilded capitals.
To get to St Peter’s Church using public transport, the closest Tube Station is Notting Hill Gate. The closest Bus Stop is PT-Stanley Gardens and PS-Chepstow Villas.
On-street parking outside the church is limited to RBKC resident permit holders, with some prepay spaces also available.
Address: 90 Kensington Park Road, London, W11 2PL