Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra Society

November – Sounds of Britain

We open the season with a tribute to Samuel Coleridge-Taylor on the 150th anniversary of his birth, featuring his Petite Suite de Concert. David Campbell, “the finest player of his generation”  takes centre stage in Carl Davis’ Clarinet Concerto, followed by the grandeur of Elgar’s Symphony No. 1, a stirring masterpiece of British composition. Coleridge-Taylor’s and Elgar’s connections to the Isle of Wight, where they spent their respective honeymoons (Elgar in 1889 and Coleridge-Taylor ten years later), makes this performance particularly special.

January – A Celebration of Women in Music

An evening of exceptional music by pioneering female composers under the baton of our guest conductor. We begin with Maconchy’s evocative Overture – Proud Thames, followed by Smyth’s Two Interlinked French Melodies. Distinguished international pianist  Zeynep Ozsuca brings Clara Schumann’s emotive Piano Concerto to life, before we conclude with Florence Price’s powerful Symphony No. 1.

March – Frost & Fire: A Musical Journey

A magical programme evoking sparkling elegance and bold brass virtuosity. Rimsky-Korsakov’s Suite – The Snow Maiden sets the scene, followed by the charismatic and rapidly emerging leading trumpeter Aaron Azunda Akugbo performing Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto. We close with the sweeping drama of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7 in D minor, filled with deep emotion and Czech spirit

May– Romantic Masterworks

An evening of passion, lyricism, and orchestral splendour. Berlioz’s fiery Carnival Romain Overture opens the night before the delicate beauty of Finzi’s Nocturne. Charlie Lovell-Jones, acclaimed concertmaster of the Sinfonia of London returns, showcasing the brilliance of Bruch’s beloved Violin Concerto, leading us into the majestic landscapes of Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1 in E minor.

July– Independence Day Spectacular

From the stirring Copland Fanfare for the Common Man to Britten’s An American Overture, this programme showcases the exuberance and cinematic magic of American music. West End and international soprano Kelly Glyptis enchants with Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and a selection of familiar favourites from the Great American Songbook, while Max Steiner’s Suite from Gone with the Wind sweeps us into Hollywood’s golden era. Favourites such as Sousa’s Washington Post March and Gershwin’s An American in Paris set the party tone, with John Williams’ Flying Theme from E.T. a dazzling finale!