Orchestra celebrates (From Salisbury Journal)

Orchestra celebrates

11:13am Thursday 15th November 2007 in Entertainments

SALISBURY Symphony Orchestra's 90th anniversary year will reach its conclusion next Saturday when it performs a delightful programme of music from Beethoven to Bax, in the City Hall.

And guest soloist for Beethoven's Emperor Piano Concerto, No. 5 will be Nicholas Walker, pictured.

Nicholas, whose home is in Salisbury, has been acclaimed by the Evening Standard as "a prodigy of awesome technical fluency backed by exceptional artistry."

Opening the concert will be Beethoven's Prometheus Overture and the concert will also feature a rare performance of Arnold Bax's Symphony No. 6, the 1935 masterpiece by the British composer. It is a late romantic work, which is sure to be enjoyed by anyone who likes the music of Bruckner, Elgar or Sibelius, says orchestra member Jonathan Hodgetts.

Sir Walter Alcock, organist of Salisbury Cathedral formed the orchestra in 1917. Now, it is made up of accomplished amateur musicians, mostly from the Salisbury area.

David Halls, director of music at Salisbury Cathedral conducts and says: "I am really looking forward to working with Nicholas Walker. I am also excited about introducing a Bax symphony to the Salisbury public."