The Orchestra Of St John’s has pulled it out of the bag yet again this year with a stunning spring concert series, featuring big names, stunning music and accessibility for all. Here’s what not to miss!
Vivaldi Seasons and Gloria, January 18, Dorchester Abbey kicks off the exciting 2025 programme with all Seasons and Vivaldi’s dazzling Gloria cantata-mass, which is central to the choral repertory, thanks to OSJ Voices. Plus Deniz Sensoy on violin, soprano Hannah Davey and mezzo Hannah Fraser-Mackenzie https://www.osj.org.uk/osjevent/vivaldi-seasons-and-gloria-7pm-at-dorchester-abbey/
Concert of classical and jazz music by autistic performers, February 8, 6pm, Dorchester Abbey. Following its success last year, OSJ Music for Autism presents another inclusive concert featuring amazing pianists Michael Howell, Derek Paravicini, Ashleigh Turley and other young musicians across the spectrum of neurodiversity with Poppy McGhee on violin and soprano Hannah Davey. https://www.osj.org.uk/osjevent/concert-of-classical-and-jazz-music-by-autistic-performers-6pm-at-dorchester-abbey-3/
Braimah Kanneh-Mason plays Mendelssohn, 15 February, 7pm at Dorchester Abbey. A classic line-up of three masterpieces by Mendelssohn. Starring in the violin concerto is Braimah Kanneh-Mason, the second oldest of the Kanneh-Masons, the prodigious clan from Nottingham. Plus the Hebrides Overture and Italian Symphony. https://www.osj.org.uk/osjevent/braimah-kanneh-mason-plays-mendelssohn-7pm-at-dorchester-abbey/
Ravel’s Bolero, 15 March, 7pm at Dorchester Abbey. Ravel’s most famous composition – his Spanish-flavoured ballet score from 1928, is paired with the 1939 Concerto for Aranjuez, by far Rodrigo’s best-known work. Plus De Falla’s characterful 1925 ballet El Amor Brujo (Love, the Magician) and Sarasate’s Gypsy Airs from 1878 featuring Hungarian folk themes, containing dazzling technical hurdles and sensuous melodies that have captivated violinists and audiences since. https://www.osj.org.uk/forthcoming-concerts/?mc_cid=6fc590b8d0&mc_eid=UNIQID
‘The Music in my Life’ Alexander Armstrong with Sue Cook, April 8, 7pm LIVE at Sheldonian Theatre. Following the raging success of Michael Palin last month REVIEW: “This experience has been the best luxury of my life” Michael Palin explores his incredible journey with OSJ at The Sheldonian, next up Alexander Armstrong will be interviewed by Sue Cook in OSJ’s ‘The Music in my Life’ where famous people talk about their lives, share their opinions, and discuss the music that has meant the most to them as OSJ plays his chosen pieces live. https://www.osj.org.uk/osjevent/the-music-in-my-life-alexander-armstrong-with-sue-cook-7pm-live-at-sheldonian-theatre/
Faure Requiem and Bach Cantata 82, April 18-19 at SJE Arts and Dorchester Abbey. Sit back and marvel as soprano Belinda Gifford-Guy and bass Alex Jones thrill alongside OSJ Voices and Orchestra of St John’s. Free tickets available for NHS workers and for the disabled. https://www.osj.org.uk/osjevent/faure-requiem-and-bach-cantata-82-7pm-at-sje-arts/ and https://www.osj.org.uk/osjevent/faure-requiem-and-bach-cantata-82-7pm-at-dorchester-abbey/
BACH, 17 May, 7pm at Dorchester Abbey. Near-supernatural in inspiration, and groundbreaking in their diversity of invention, Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos stand among the greatest creative achievements of the 18th century. The two Violin Concertos feature OSJ’s longtime leader, Jan Schmolck. https://www.osj.org.uk/osjevent/bach-7pm-at-dorchester-abbey-2/
