Exeter Symphony Orchestra present a concert of music by Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky

The Exeter Symphony Orchestra under conductor Arturo Serna is staging a concert of music by Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky on Saturday 20 July 2024 at 7.30pm in Exeter Cathedral.

This special concert – the highlight of ESO’s year – features the internationally distinguished cellist, Natalie Clein, performing great music in the fabulous setting of Exeter Cathedral.

The concert opens with the vivacious and effervescent Festive Overture (Opus 96) by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975). Described modestly by the composer as “just a short work, festive or celebrative in spirit”, its blistering pace and energy have ensured enduring success in the concert hall.

British cellist Natalie Clein, winner of both the BBC Young Musician of the Year and the Eurovision Competition for Young Musicians at age 16, regularly performs at major venues worldwide. She will play the Shostakovich Cello Concerto No 1 in E-flat major (Op 107), composed in 1959 and widely considered to be one of the most difficult concert works for the instrument.

The evening will conclude with Symphony No 4 in F minor (Op 36) by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893). Completed in 1878, the symphony received a lukewarm reception at its Moscow premiere, but became a roaring success when conducted by the composer fifteen years later in Cambridge.

Its opening fanfare renders it instantly recognisable as one of the greatest of Tchaikovsky symphonies, brim-full of broad, memorable tunes.

The concert is raising funds for the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, a charity that exists with the sole purpose of helping other charities. The foundation donates money to worthy causes in and around Exeter, such as Exeter Leukaemia Fund and Children's Hospice South West. 

So please join Exeter Symphony Orchestra for a performance of wonderful classical music raising money for a great cause! Tickets start from £15 (£5 for under 18s) and are available atwww.exetersymphonyorchestra.co.uk.