Flanders Symphony Orchestra: from England to Bohemia

The passionate and enterprising Flanders Symphony Orchestra is a fixture in the Flemish cultural scene and undoubtedly one of Belgium’s most exciting ensembles. They’re joined by the young British conductor Duncan Ward who is much in demand across Europe’s concert halls and opera houses. Their concert of much-loved music features Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony, a work that’s full of optimism, inspired by the folk traditions of his native Bohemia and the natural landscape of his summer residence where he composed it. Two beautiful pastoral idylls of pre-First World War England from the pens of George Butterworth and Ralph Vaughan Williams reflect a world that was soon to be lost, as was Butterworth himself, a tragic casualty of war. Thrilling French violinist Alexandra Soumm is the soloist in The Lark Ascending and also in Mozart’s best-known Violin Concerto, cherished for its lyrical slow movement and the exotic Turkish dance elements in its rondo-finale. She’s been highly praised for her rich sound and abundant personality. “The audience loved her” said the Nottingham Post, and we’re sure you will too! See the full B:Classical Season here