Symphony Orchestra to Perform Beethoven’s Choral Symphony No 9
From the first concert held in a borrowed marquee in Shiplake, and now in its 52nd season, HSO has gone from strength to strength, attracting some 50 players from across the Thames Valley.
Under the guidance of its Music Director, Ian Brown, the orchestra promotes an annual season of four concerts featuring internationally acclaimed artists. The aim is to provide high-quality music-making at affordable prices and to give local musicians a chance to perform the great classical orchestral repertoire to a high standard.
For its 22nd Hexagon concert and for the first time in its 52-year history, HSO will be performing Beethoven’s sublime ‘Choral’ Symphony No. 9, whose potent statement of brotherhood and fellowship culminates in a glorious affirmation in the final movement. For this, HSO is joined by singers from Reading Bach Choir, Henley Choral Society, the Glass Ensemble and soloists provided by Opera Prelude, a Henley-based charity that supports young singers at the start of their careers: Eline Vandenheede (soprano) Leila Zanette (mezzo-soprano) and Glen Cunningham (tenor).
HSO is also delighted to welcome British baritone Dominic Sedgwick, a recent graduate of the prestigious Jette Parker Young Artist Programme at the Royal Opera House, to perform Mahler’s deeply moving Songs of a Wayfarer. He will also be one of the four soloists in the symphony.
The 2021/22 season sees Dominic’s return to the Royal Opera as Marullo in a new production of Rigoletto and début appearances at Théâtre Luxembourg and Grange Park Opera. He was awarded the Audience Prize in the inaugural 2017 Grange Festival International Singing Competition.
The Hexagon is in the centre of Reading, ten minutes’ walk from the station and well signed for those coming by car (postcode for Sat Nav is RG1 7TQ). Car parking is available in the Broad Street Mall, Oracle shopping centre or Q-Park Chatham Street car parks (http://www.readingarts.com/hexagon/your-visit/how-find-us).
For disabled attendees there is parking outside the Hexagon stage door and wheelchair spaces are available in the stalls. To book one of these please contact the Hexagon on 0118 960 6060. The spacious theatre meets all current requirements for the safety of its patrons.
Ticket prices are £22, £18, £14; U16s/students half price. Groups: 1 in 8 free. 1 child free with paying adult (£18 and £14 tickets). To order please call 07726 459261 or email hsoboxoffice@gmail.com or, alternatively, call the Hexagon Box Office on 0118 960 6060 or go to www.whatsonreading.com (booking fee applies).
