Ulster Orchestra announces a season of celebration
Issue Date: 13th May 2009
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Belfast’s very own Sir James Galway will celebrate his 70th birthday in a festive concert with the Ulster Orchestra.
It is one of the highlights of the Ulster Orchestra’s 2009/10 season, which was announced today (13 May), heralding a year-long celebration of classical music.
The world-renowned flautist returns home in December for his gala birthday concert. The season also pays tribute to the anniversaries of the birth 200 years ago of Mendelssohn, Schumann and Chopin as well as Cherubini at 250. It also marks the death of Handel 250 years ago.
The Ulster Orchestra announced its season just two weeks before its new box office opens at the Ulster Hall and the Orchestra’s administrative staff relocate to their new offices in the Hall.
Principal Conductor Kenneth Montgomery said that this year’s programme offered a wealth of talent and featured some of the world’s finest musicians. “We live in financially challenging times for everyone, including the Ulster Orchestra, but the arts are more essential than ever at such times. Join us this season for some of the world’s greatest music and be uplifted by the live experience.”
Roisín McDonough of the Arts Council said: “The Ulster Orchestra is one of Northern Ireland’s key cultural institutions. Its drive for quality, excellence, artistic excitement, innovation and access is valued by the Arts Council whose vision is to place the arts at the heart of our social, economic and creative life.”
David Byers chief executive of the Ulster Orchestra explained that there was something in the new season for all music lovers.
“It is a programme which celebrates great music and at the same time extends its reach to those who might want to come for the first time. I’m proud of the talented musicians of the Ulster Orchestra and it’s important that we share those talents with as many people as possible. The public will have the opportunity of experiencing world class musicians performing in the splendid surroundings of the newly refurbished Ulster Hall. I am particularly looking forward to welcoming Sir James Galway back to his spiritual home.”
A highlight of the season will be the Chopin festival taking place over two weekends and featuring pianist Nikolai Demidenko in two orchestral concerts and two recitals. He will be giving a Chopin masterclass at the first weekend. There will also be a lecture and the promise of Chopin films screening at Queen’s Film Theatre.
The season has a distinctive Russian flavour running through it, opening and closing with Tchaikovsky but also featuring Russian symphonies and Russian soloists, such as the talented violinist Ilya Gringolts and the outstanding pianist Alex Kobrin.
The Ulster Orchestra is also offering more of its Popular Classics programmes. This year’s schedule includes the welcome return of world-famous baritone Bryn Terfel, Handel’s Messiah, the New Year Viennese Concerts, the music of Broadway including favourites from Andrew Lloyd Webber, the Best of Bond – music from the movies, and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
In addition there will be a full programme of monthly lunchtime concerts, sponsored by JTI, starting in October in the Ulster Hall and running until June. Relax over the lunch hour with some of the most beautiful classical music for just £5.
The box office is open initially for season ticket orders as well as the “Pick N Mix” bookings, which include tickets to a minimum of three concerts. To find out more about the new season or go to www.ulsterorchestra.com or ring 028 9023 9955.