St Mary's Church, Horsham

Horsham Symphony Orchestra will perform its autumn concert at 3pm on Saturday, November 14 at St Mary's Church, Horsham, featuring music by Elgar, Britten, Copland and Sibelius.

Spokeswoman Clare Thornton-Wood said: “The concert will feature acclaimed Welsh mezzo-soprano Angharad Lyddon, a finalist in the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition, performing Edward Elgar's much-loved song cycle Sea Pictures.

“The performance forms part of Horsham Symphony Orchestra's continuing commitment to bringing outstanding classical music and leading professional musicians to local audiences. Under the direction of conductor Steve Dummer, the orchestra will present a programme inspired by landscapes, cities and the sea.

“Opening the concert will be Benjamin Britten's colourful Courtly Dances from Gloriana, followed by Elgar's Sea Pictures, regarded as one of the composer's finest vocal works. “Audiences will then hear Aaron Copland's reflective Quiet City, featuring Horsham Symphony Orchestra musicians Andy Sykes on trumpet and Clare Thornton-Wood on cor anglais as soloists.

“The afternoon will conclude with Jean Sibelius's Symphony No 7, a remarkable single-movement work widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements of twentieth-century orchestral music.

“Founded in 1971, Horsham Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of the town's cultural life and brings together musicians from across Horsham and the surrounding area. Alongside performing major orchestral works, the orchestra supports young musicians, emerging conductors and new composers through initiatives such as its Student Conductor Programme.

The orchestra was recently recognised by the national organisation Making Music with a special commendation for its commitment to contemporary composition and the promotion of new works.”

Chairman Fiona Clifton said: “We are delighted to welcome Angharad Lyddon to Horsham and to present a programme that showcases some of the most evocative and inspiring music in the orchestral repertoire. We are proud to bring high-quality live classical music to our local community while providing opportunities for musicians of all ages and backgrounds to perform.

“As well as presenting performances of the highest standard, the orchestra continues to nurture local talent, with opportunities for aspiring conductors, young performers and experienced amateur musicians to develop their skills and perform alongside accomplished soloists.”

Tickets and further information are available from Horsham Symphony Orchestra at www.horshamsymphony.org.uk.