A magical evening of music

Join Sheffield Chamber Orchestra for an evening of music that combines youthful energy, Romantic warmth and the sparkle of the Baroque. Our December concert brings together four composers from very different musical worlds, with music ranging from the enchanted forest of Shakespeare to the elegance of Handel and the vibrant colours of Czech and French Romanticism.

The concert opens with Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture, one of the most astonishing works of his teenage years. Written when he was just 17, its magical opening chords, fleet-footed strings and shimmering orchestration conjure Shakespeare’s fairies, lovers and mischievous characters with remarkable vividness. Listen out especially for the extraordinarily delicate fairy music—and for the famous musical depiction of Bottom’s transformation.

We then travel to Bohemia with Dvořák’s Czech Suite, a celebration of Czech folk traditions and landscapes. Its contrasting movements reveal Dvořák’s gift for melody, from gentle pastoral music to lively dances full of rhythmic energy.

Handel’s Concerto Grosso in B-flat major, Op. 6 No. 7 provides a fascinating contrast. Written in the grand Baroque concerto grosso tradition, the work alternates between the full ensemble and a smaller group of soloists, creating an elegant conversation between different sections of the orchestra.

The concert concludes with Louise Farrenc’s Symphony No. 1 in C minor. Farrenc was one of the most accomplished French composers of the 19th century, yet her music has only relatively recently begun to receive the attention it deserves. Her First Symphony is an ambitious and powerful work, combining the influence of Beethoven with her own distinctive melodic voice and sophisticated orchestral writing.

The concert is conducted by Gina Hazell, whose appearance marks an exciting opportunity to hear the orchestra working with a new generation of musical leadership.

Four composers, four musical worlds

From Mendelssohn’s enchanted Shakespearean forest to Dvořák’s Czech dances, Handel’s Baroque elegance and Farrenc’s powerful Romantic symphony, this programme offers a wonderfully varied introduction to the richness of orchestral music.

Come and experience it live with Sheffield Chamber Orchestra.