Oakham School Chapel
Saturday 26th September 2026 at 7.30pm
Mozart Clarinet Concerto
Easher Austin basset clarinet
Paul Hilliam conductor
Mendelssohn Hebrides Overture
Mozart Clarinet Concerto
Haydn Symphony No. 44 ‘Trauer’
Kodaly Dances of Galanta
This richly varied programme journeys from atmospheric seascapes to vibrant folk inspired dances. The Hebrides Overture, depicts Mendelssohn’s visit to Fingal’s Cave on the island of Staffa, while Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto is characterised by sublime lyricism. Haydn’s Symphony No. 44 subtitled ‘Trauer’ (Funeral) is widely held to be the most dramatic of his astonishing middle period works, while Kodaly’s Dances of Galanta brim with Hungarian folk spirit and dazzling orchestral flair.
Oundle, St Peter’s Church
Saturday 21st November 2026 at 7.30pm
Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique
Jeremy Young piano
Paul Hilliam conductor
Liadov Eight Russian Folk Songs
Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 ‘Pathétique’
This programme explores the rich colours and emotional depths of Russian music. Lyadov’s Eight Russian Folk Songs offer a series of delicately scored miniatures with a distinctive national flavour. The spotlight then turns to the Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with its well known romantic central movement contrasted by wit and virtuosity in the outer movements. Tchaikovsky’s powerful Symphony No. 6 ‘Pathétique’ concludes the programme.
Oakham School Chapel
Saturday 13th March 2027 at 7.30pm
Bruch Scottish Fantasy
Fenella Humphreys violin
Paul Hilliam conductor
Beethoven Egmont Overture
Bruch Scottish Fantasy
Sibelius Symphony No. 6
Dvořák The Noon Witch
Continuing the theme of nationalism and marking 200 years since the death of Beethoven, we start this concert with his Egmont Overture, inspired by Goethe’s story of subjugation, revolution and the dream of liberation. We are thrilled to be joined by acclaimed violin soloist Fenella Humphreys to perform Bruch’s folk song inspired Scottish Fantasy – definitely a performance not to miss. The atmosphere then shifts to the cool, luminous textures of Sibelius’ Symphony No. 6, another work inspired by nature, before we end with Dvořák’s gripping tone poem The Noon Witch.
Oundle, St Peter’s Church
Saturday 15th May 2027 at 7.30pm
British Light Music
David Calow conductor
Eric Coates The Dam Busters March, London Suite,
Three Elizabeth’s Suite, By the Sleepy Lagoon
Vivian Ellis Coronation Scot
Ronald Binge Sailing By
Ketèlbey In a Monastery Garden
and more
Marking the 70th anniversary of Coates’ death, a nostalgic celebration of British light music at its most charming. From Coates unmistakable melodies, including By the Sleepy Lagoon and The Dam Busters March, to the graceful warmth of Ronald Binge’s Sailing By and the vivid storytelling of Ketèlbey’s In a Monastery Garden, this programme sparkles with character. Featuring gems by Vivian Ellis, Malcolm Sargent and Doreen Carwithen, it’s a delightful journey through a golden age of music.