The Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra’s exciting new season is now on sale. It represents their most adventurous season yet. Running from October 2023 to April 24, the season is led by Music Director Joanna MacGregor. Itpans nine concerts across the city at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall, St George’s Kemptown and the newly refurbished Brighton Dome Corn Exchange.
A commitment to bringing something vibrant and innovative to the Brighton music scene is evident throughout the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra programming.
A host of fresh and inspiring talent will be joining the season. This will include guest conductors Adam Hickox, Clark Rundell and Geoffrey Paterson who are all new to the BPO. Expect dazzling performances from sopranos Dorothea Herbert and Ellie Laugharne. Meanwhile, Norwegian violin virtuoso Ragnhild Hemsing will showcase the little-known hardanger fiddle. An exciting collaboration with jazz saxophonist Andy Sheppard will explore music of the Deep South and an orchestral suite of Moondog’s music. John Adams explodes alongside Leonard Bernstein; and a celebration of International Women’s Day will hear large scale orchestral music by Errollyn Wallen, Florence Price and Eleanor Alberga. An evening of cabaret classics with returning guest conductor Sian Edward. And, director Richard Williams showcases Stravinsky’s 1918 masterpiece The Soldier’s Tale, as well as Kurt Weill.
Alongside this diverse programming remains a commitment to core orchestral repertoire, with Sibelius’ Symphony no.2 partnering Arvo Pärt, Wagner’s The Ring: An Orchestral Adventure (arr. Vlieger). It will see one of the largest orchestras ever staged at the Brighton Dome, and the season finale including Debussy’s magnificent La Mer. There will also be a continuation of the popular Christmas Carol in two performances. Featuring, the BPO Brass Quintet with popular arrangements of Ding Dong Merrily on High, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In. Plus the return of the ever-engaging conductor Stephen Bell for a show-stopping New Year’s Eve Gala.
This season also sees the balance shift towards Friday and Saturday evening performances. Five of the nine concerts scheduled at peak evening slots. This is alongside the popular Sunday afternoon performances for which the orchestra is most widely known.
With a focus on making the concerts as accessible as possible to a broad audience, tickets for the Concert Hall programme start from £13. There are also concessions available.
Families can benefit from £1 children’s tickets when purchased with an accompanying adult. BPO are providing an affordable opportunity to bring through a new generation of music enthusiasts. There will also be 25% savings for Full Season bookings, 20% savings for three concert bookings. Plus, there are a limited number of £12 LoveMusic tickets available 24 hours before some performances.
Of the season ahead, Music Director Joanna MacGregor commented, “I’m excited to present our season reflecting the richness and sheer excitement of a live orchestra. Expect large symphonic works alongside jazz and contemporary music. BPO continues to nurture brilliant young musicians both within the orchestra and as guest soloists. Our vibrant, bold programme – performed at the heart of Brighton – is for everyone.”
Newly appointed Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra Chair Jonathan Brigden commented:
“Since lockdown lifted and Joanna’s tenure started two seasons ago, our city’s orchestra has gone from strength to strength. We are increasing artistic reach whilst growing and diversifying our audience. Last season we more than doubled our sales for each concert. We even sold out concerts like our Beautiful World concert of modern classical music. The next season is our most ambitious yet. We look forward to bringing you brilliant wide ranging music making in our 99th year.”
For more information visit www.brightonphil.org.uk.
All tickets are available via the Brighton Dome ticket office at www.brightondome.org, telephone 01273 709 709 or by visiting the box office in person.
Friends of the Orchestra also receive a complimentary ticket each season to bring a friend to join them. They also recieve dedicated newsletters and event invitations. Friends membership starts from £25 and details of supporting the orchestra are all available at www.brightonphil.org.uk/membership.
