English Symphony Orchestra

Robert Saxton's 'Scenes from the Epic of Gilgamesh & The Resurrection of the Soldiers' release on Nimbus Records is the Editor's Choice in the August issue of Gramophone! 🎉

Artists: English Symphony Orchestra, English String Orchestra, Kenneth Woods, conductor

💿 Available now to buy/stream/download 👉https://lnk.to/NI6447UK!FA

We are looking for Trustees to join our board and be a part of our bold plans for the future >>

Trustee Recruitment - English Symphony Orchestra English Symphony Orchestra is looking to recruit up to three trustees to join its board. We are looking for individuals with a passion for our work and who can bring new perspectives as we continue to shape a bold new vision for our orchestra.

Our Nimbus Records recording of the thrilling music of Robert Saxton with Kenneth Woods, conductor is Interlude's "Music of the Week"

Have a listen here:
https://orcd.co/ni6447_robert_saxton_epic_of_gilgamesh

Read all about it:
https://interlude.hk/the-oldest-epic-robert-saxtons-scenes-from-the-epic-of-gilgamesh/

Naxos

We're pleased as punch to see our new disc of music by Robert Saxton on Nimbus Records in the Top 40 Classical charts. Check it out here:

https://orcd.co/ni6447_robert_saxton_epic_of_gilgamesh

Kenneth Woods, conductor Wyastone Recording Studio

Another fine review for our Nimbus Records recording of Robert Saxton's Scenes from the Epic of Gilgamesh and Resurrection of the Soldiers, this time from Kevin Mandry at the British Music Society.

" ...instantly urgent and impassioned....it is good that in this reference recording the ESO delivers a completely secure performance – indeed the strings cope with some fantastically demanding writing with apparent ease. Sound is excellent and notes interesting. Solidly recommended."

Listen here:
https://orcd.co/ni6447_robert_saxton_epic_of_gilgamesh

RTWTH
https://www.britishmusicsociety.co.uk/2024/07/robert-saxton-scenes-from-the-epic-of-gilgamesh/

Kenneth Woods, conductor Wyastone Recording Studio

Robert Saxton: Scenes from the Epic of Gilgamesh Choose your preferred music service

This month's Gramophone Editor's Choice listings included our new Nimbus Records disck with Kenneth Woods, conductor featuring the music of Robert Saxton.
"A superbly played album featuring two major works by this month’s featured Contemporary Composer, Robert Saxton."

Stream it here:
https://orcd.co/ni6447_robert_saxton_epic_of_gilgamesh

https://www.gramophone.co.uk/features/article/editor-s-choice-august-2024-the-best-new-classical-recordings?utm_campaign=Gramophone%20Newsletter%2023%2F07%2F24&utm_content=Feature%20link&utm_term=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gramophone.co.uk%2Ffeatures%2Farticle%2Feditor-s-choice-august-2024-the-best-new-classical-recordings&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Gramophone

Editor's Choice: August 2024 | The best new classical recordings This month we feature outstanding new recordings from Konstantin Krimmel, Rebeca Omordia, Paavo Järvi and Gustavo Dudamel

Our congratulations to our dear friend Emily Davis and her new colleagues at The Hallé. Emily has been one of our more frequent and popular guest leaders over the last several seasons, and is featured as a soloist on our recent album of music by Steven R Ge**er on Nimbus Records. Manchester audiences are in for a great era with her there.

Check out her touching performance of Ge**er's Lyric Pieces here:
https://open.spotify.com/album/0IgbBKU9jYzelrnzUDs5Zt?si=c1Xfd3Z5QT2DjF0ospCimA

The Hallé Orchestra appoints new leader Violinist Emily Davis will share the leadership role with Roberto Ruisi as the orchestra heads into its 2024/25 season

GRAMOPHONE EDITOR'S CHOICE!
August 2024 issue

We're delighted to see this fantastic review in the new issue of Gramophone for our most recent recording for Nimbus Records, Robert Saxton's Resurrection of the Soldiers and Scene's from the Epic of Gilgamesh, the most recent work in our 21st C. Symphony Project with Kenneth Woods, conductor. Big thanks to

Guy Rickards for the review. You can download and stream the entire record here:
https://orcd.co/ni6447_robert_saxton_epic_of_gilgamesh

"The Resurrection of the Soldiers (2016) is a searing, intense work for string orchestra, one that should by rights take its place among the finest English works for string orchestra... The Resurrection of the Soldiers is more tone poem, perhaps, but it has the gravitas of a one-movement symphony, not least through its central fugue and consolatory conclusion.

"The ESO respond with a fabulous interpretation, informed by immaculate ensemble and intonation (with some superb solo and duo playing along the way)one that stayed on loop in my player.

"The Epic of Gilgamesh (2022) is another matter...The musical language is broadly tonal and appealingly descriptive, its succession of vigorous sections and threnodies, and a finale worthy of Tippett at his best...It is a haunting work"

"Yet another thoroughly gripping, intriguing album, strongly recommended, as are its five predecessors."

🎻 English String Orchestra at St Peter's Church, Hereford 🎻
Saturday 6th July, 6pm
Zoë Beyers, violin
Kenneth Woods, conductor

Dmitri Shostakovich (arr. Barshai) - Chamber Symphony Op. 118a
Mieczysław Weinberg - Concertino for Violin and Strings
Hans Gál - Concertino for Violin and Strings
Viktor Ullmann (arr. Woods) - Chamber Symphony for Strings Op. 46a

St Peter's and St James, Hereford
Buy tickets online or on the door - https://eso.co.uk/desirehereford-06jul24/
FREE for under 18s / carers

Desire for Life - Hereford - English Symphony Orchestra Shostakovich's Tenth String Quartet (Barshai’s arrangement as the Chamber Symphony Op. 118a) comes from the early years of the Brezhnev era. This deeply-personal work was dedicated to Shostakovich's closest musical confidant, the Polish-Jewish refugee composer Mieczysław Weinberg. Just as Dvořá...

Are you aged 11-19?
Why not come and join our Youth Orchestra?

Our younger groups are running in August too. Find out more: https://eso.co.uk/community/eso-youth/

ESO Youth Symphony Orchestra Residential/Day Course - Summer 2024 - English Symphony Orchestra ESO Youth Symphony Orchestra Residential/Day Course - Summer 2024 19th-23rd August 2024 Bromsgrove School, Worcester Road, Bromsgrove B61 7DU Ages 11-19 Grade 7 and above Residential and non-residential options available Course Dates Monday 19th – Friday 23rd August 2023 Course Location Bromsgrove...

Great review from British Music Society for our Nimbus Records recording of the orchestral music of Steve Elcock Composer with violinist Zoë Beyers and Kenneth Woods, conductor.

"This is a composer of real significance, writing music, tuneful, brilliantly orchestrated and communicative. It is exactly the type of work that sadly disappeared from concert halls in the 60s and 70s, and which we need more than ever now. The composer could not wish for better advocates than the performers and engineers assembled here. " Paul RW Jackson

Stream it here:
https://orcd.co/ni6446_steve_elcock_violin_concerto
https://www.britishmusicsociety.co.uk/2024/06/steve-elcock-violin-concerto-symphony-no-8/

Steve Elcock: Symphony No. 8 & Violin Concerto Choose your preferred music service

Two great reviews for our latest Nimbus Records albums of works from our 21st C. Symphony Project.

Composer Lilijana Matičevska is full of praise for Steve Elcock Composer's 8th Symphony and Violin Concerto:
"Elcock plays to the perceived heights and depths of register extraordinarily effectively here, with a terrific sense of pace when focussing on each region of higher or lower sounds. The repetitive, motific style we know Elcock for allows for a slow walk between each of these timbral and registral regions, hearing them from different perspectives as the main motific material (or treatment thereof) changes. "

https://lilijanamaticevska.wordpress.com/2024/06/12/review-steve-elcock-symphony-no-8-violin-concerto/

Richard Whitehouse at Arcana.fm is also enthusiastic about our upcoming disc of music by Robert Saxton, noting:

" Both these works have the concept of redemption as their focal-point – albeit one which cannot be gained without effort and, even then, should never be taken as read. Tonality, indeed, as the corollary to travelling in hope...Saxton here evinces an orchestral mastery which will hopefully find an outlet in further such pieces – whether, or not, ‘symphonic’. More overtly tonal it might have become, his music still poses considerable challenges whether technical or interpretative. Suffice to add these are met with finesse and conviction by Woods and the ESO, who are fully conversant with its elusive but always accessible idiom. The composer could hardly have wished for a more tangible QED."

https://arcana.fm/2024/06/25/eso-woods-saxton/

The Saxton is being released worldwide on 5 July, but selections are available as singles on most streaming platforms. Links in comments!

Listening links for our Elcock disc are here:
https://orcd.co/ni6446_steve_elcock_violin_concerto

Critic Jean-Yves Duperron adds his voice to the chorus of enthusiastic responses to the visceral and compelling music of Steve Elcock Composer.
https://orcd.co/ni6446_steve_elcock_violin_concerto

" If you enjoy classical music in general, with a preference for symphonic writing, this living composer ticks all the boxes when it comes to harmonic integrity, orchestration colors and textures, emotive power and structural stability... Kenneth Woods, conductor captures every expressive nuance within this work. And if anything, Steve Elcock's music is powerfully expressive... the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 13 is a beautifully languorous inner slow movement which sees the violin soar into the stratosphere, bookended by two outer shorter movements brimming with energy, playfulness and mischief, especially in the opening Allegro vivo. Violinist Zoë Beyers, who has been the concertmaster of the English Symphony Orchestra since 2017, delivers a finely crafted, utterly expressive interpretation that well defines the work's contrasting elements."

http://www.classicalmusicsentinel.com/KEEP/elcock8.html

Nimbus Records Wyastone Recording Studio

STEVE ELCOCK - Symphony No. 8 - English Symphony Orchestra - Kenneth Woods - Nimbus - 0710357644627 Review of the Nimbus Alliance recording of the Symphony No. 8 by STEVE ELCOCK performed by the English Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kenneth Woods

More much-appreciated recognition for our new record of music by Steve Elcock Composer on Nimbus Records, this time from the estimable Richard Whitehouse at Arcana.fm. Stream or download the whole thing here:
https://orcd.co/ni6446_steve_elcock_violin_concerto

"The concerto is a tough challenge for any soloist and one Zoë Beyers meets with assurance – its close-knit interplay of soloist and orchestra brought off with admirable precision, and its occasional modal subtleties rendered as enrichments of the tonal trajectory. Elcock has been fortunate in his recorded exponents, and this new ESO release is emphatically no exception... For now, this latest release warrants the strongest of recommendations.

https://arcana.fm/2024/05/18/elcock-beyers-eso-woods/

Kenneth Woods, conductor British Music Society Ulysses Arts Elgar Festival

The last time we played Beethoven 5, it made a real splash. We can't wait to return to this iconic work after a 5 year break as part of this fantastic programme at Cheltenham Town Hall with soloist Esther Abrami and Kenneth Woods, conductor.

English Symphony Orchestra
Jun 26 @ 7:30 pm
Esther Abrami plays Mendelssohn
Tickets and details:
https://cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/event/english-symphony-orchestra/

Elgar Froissart Overture, Op. 19
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Rising star and the ESO Creative Partner & ‘Artist in Residence’, Esther Abrami will perform one of the most loved violin concertos of all time by Mendelssohn.

“Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony also received one of the best performances I have heard live. Woods’s fine and sane musicality ensured a genuine performance, full of real intensity and sensitivity within a constant view of powerful onward-momentum throughout, a conception that made this imperishable masterpiece fully hang together…Woods’s Presto tempo in the ultimate coda was breathtaking, urging his players on – to the highest degree of musicianship and uplifting expression.” Robert Matthew-Walker – Classical Source

“It takes a master conductor to find new things to say in the most over-exposed music, but this account of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony was full of insight and energy—and with all the repeats….concluding with a Presto of complete conviction and assurance of ex*****on. This was, indeed, special.” Guy Rickards – Musical Opinion

“Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony received a reading as attentive to the smaller detail as to its overall trajectory….The ESO responded with playing of sustained emotional power” Richard Whitehouse – Arcana FM
https://youtu.be/DJ7fQ_DQgAA

June 26 - Beethoven's Fifth Symphony Live In Cheltenham Town Hall English Symphony OrchestraJun 26 @ 7:30 pmEsther Abrami plays MendelssohnTickets and details: https://cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/event/english-symphony-orches...

It's so gratifying to see such a positive respone to our most recent Nimbus Records recording of the music of Steve Elcock Composer, featuring violinist Zoë Beyers and Kenneth Woods, conductor. This review, from the new issue of Gramophone, is from critic Guy Rickards.

"A thoroughly gripping, involving album, urgently recommended."

Stream and download via any of the links here:
https://orcd.co/ni6446_steve_elcock_violin_concerto

Another exciting review for our new Nimbus Records recording of the music of Steve Elcock Composer with violinist Zoë Beyers and Kenneth Woods, conductor from Remy Franck at Pizzicato in Luxembourg. You can listen on all the major streaming platforms here:
https://orcd.co/ni6446_steve_elcock_violin_concerto

"...Elcock writes more accessibly than Pettersson and more emotionally and communicatively than Simpson...Steve Elcock’s 8th Symphony is presented in one movement in just under 25 minutes. The instrumentation is designed for a classical setting. An expansive, calm opening, which introduces all the motifs right at the beginning, transitions into a desperate mood in the face of an impending catastrophe. "

"The South African violinist Zoë Beyers, who lives in England, performs the solo part with verve and impeccable quality. She is able to hold her own effortlessly against the orchestra and shape her voice expressively."

"Together with Kenneth Woods, the English Symphony Orchestra presents this recording in its series of 21st century symphonies. They present themselves as an ensemble well versed in the modern musical language, which is also ideally suited to this task."

https://www.pizzicato.lu/der-autodidaktisch-geschulte-steve-elcock/

Der autodidaktisch geschulte Steve Elcock - Pizzicato Der englische Komponist Steve Elcock wird mit Ersteinspielungen seiner Werke vorgestellt. Als Komponist ist er Autodidakt und fand seinen Weg, nachdem er die Musik des Komponisten Allan Pettersson kennengelernt hatte. Er zeigt in seinen Werken auch die Unerbittlichkeit eines Robert Simpson. Dabei sc...

We're incredibly excited about our new Nimbus Records recording featuring the music of Steve Elcock Composer with violinist Zoe Beyers and Kenneth Woods, conductor. Both Steve's music and Zoe's fiddle playing made a HUGE impact with audiences at the Elgar Festival earlier this month.

Released on 7 June, Classical Music Daily wrote of it:

"I do believe Steve Elcock will be one of those composers that will be talked about and listened to for some time. This recording of two very fine works features a superb violinist Zoë Beyers and a very good orchestra indeed - the English Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kenneth Woods, who obviously understands this composer and his works. This is a recording not to be missed. I am pleased to see a well written and informative booklet accompanying this disc."

https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/2024/05/elcock.htm

https://orcd.co/ni6446_steve_elcock_violin_concerto

British Music Society

Steve Elcock: Symphony No. 8 & Violin Concerto Choose your preferred music service

Coming next!

We're off to Cheltenham Town Hall for a FANTASTIC programme of Elgar, Mendelssohn and Beethoven with the fantastic Esther Abrami. Don't miss it!

English Symphony Orchestra
Kenneth Woods, conductor
Jun 26 @ 7:30 pm
Esther Abrami plays Mendelssohn

Elgar Froissart Overture, Op. 19
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Rising star and the ESO Creative Partner & ‘Artist in Residence’, Esther Abrami will perform one of the most loved violin concertos of all time by Mendelssohn.

If you require a carer ticket, or have any accessibility requirements please book your tickets over the phone by calling 01242 528 764. The lines are open 9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday – Friday.

English Symphony Orchestra - Cheltenham Town Hall Esther Abrami plays Mendelssohn Elgar Froissart Overture, Op. 19 Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 Rising star and the ESO Creative Partner & ‘Artist in Residence’, Esther Abrami will perform one of the most loved violin concertos

https://conta.cc/4dVwOUZ

The 2024 Elgar Festival is Happening Now! Join Us. What's On Click the Event Title for More Information and Tickets World Class Orchestral Concerts Saturday 1 June at 7:30pm – The Elgar Festival Gala Concert in Worcester Cathedral Elgar’s Violin Conce

We can't wait for this!

Always the highpoint of the festival, this year’s Gala Concert will take place in Worcester Cathedral at 7.30pm on Saturday 1 June. Elgar’s Violin Concerto is a work both intimate and grandiose, universal and personal, confessional yet private. Festival composer Steve Elcock’s epic tone poem, Wreck, has been described as “some of the best orchestral music by a British composer in the last fifty years.” And to bring this year’s festival to a thrilling conclusion, Elgar’s rousing Cockaigne, inspired by the sights, sounds and smells of London Town.

Tickets range from £10 to £27.

www.elgarfestival.org


Worcester City Council Visit Worcester Visit Worcestershire Worcester Tourist Information Centre Worcester BID ©Michael Whitefoot Whitefoot Images Worcester Cathedral Worcester Theatres Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

We had a great time performing for the London Chamber Music Society at Kings Place on Sunday with our good friend Simon Desbruslais. It's lovely to see this fine review from Richard Whitehouse at .Fm

"Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro has not unexpectedly been key to the ESO’s repertoire since its founding some 45 years ago, and this performance did not disappoint. Most admirable was the variety and depth of string tone that Kenneth Woods, (a one-time professional cellist) secured from only 19 players, so ensuring a vitality and impact in the more animated sections together with the requisite delicacy in those passages where the composer’s ruminative mood is uppermost. Both aspects were brought into thrilling accord at the close of the powerfully projected coda."

"... Sawyers modifies the sonata design of its opening Allegro, the impetus and reflectiveness of its main themes finding accord prior to a trenchant cadenza with timpani at the fore, or a central Andante that exuded an emotional breadth and fervour in advance of the excellent recording by these artists. Among the leading trumpeters of his generation, Simon Desbruslais – placed high to the rear of the auditorium, to potent effect – was wholly unfazed by its demands; nor those of a final Allegro in which more reflective elements leaven the initial energy, only to be outdone in the virtuosic closing bars."

"Desbrulais (above) returned after a brief hiatus for Soliloquies by Peter Fribbins. A composer as adept on a symphonic as on a miniature scale, these brief if affecting pieces draw on three earlier songs – the recasting of whose vocal line encourages the soloist to an eloquence that, after the relative restraint of the initial Adagio and central Tranquillo, comes to the fore in a final Adagio where evocation takes on an almost cinematic aura. With impressive concertos for piano and violin to his credit, Fribbins ought to consider a full-length work for trumpet."

https://arcana.fm/2024/04/16/eso-desbruslais-woods/

In concert – Simon Desbruslais, English Symphony Orchestra / Kenneth Woods: Sibelius, Sawyers, Dvořák, Fribbins & Elgar Simon Desbruslais (trumpet), English Symphony Orchestra / Kenneth Woods Sibelius Rakastava Op.14 (1893, arr. 1912)Sawyers Concerto for Trumpet, Strings and Timpani (2015)Dvořák Notturno in B major …

Last year's Elgar Conducting Masterclass was a huge hit with attendees, with many describing it as 'revelatory,' 'really fascinating' and 'a unique window into what conducting is and how it works.'

We're looking for 8 aspirational conductors to come to Elgar's birthplace. Apply by 24 April!

The Edward Elgar Conducting Masterclass. 27-28 May, 2024 in The Firs, Elgar's Birthplace - English Symphony Orchestra Deadline – 24 April, 2024   The English Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the second annual Edward Elgar Conducting Masterclass, held as part of the Elgar Festival on 27-28 May, 2024 in the birthplace of the composer. Eight participants will have the opportunity to work with the musicians...

Or if you are in on Sunday 14th, we will be performing at Kings Place (6pm concert) - it's a busy day for us 😅

We are very excited to be playing with Simon Desbruslais again 🎺

More details here - https://eso.co.uk/kingsplace-14apr24/
London Chamber Music Society British Music Society Elgar Society Peter Fribbins

Lone Voices - London Chamber Music Society Sundays at Kings Place - English Symphony Orchestra This concert is a celebration of musical localism, as we take to London a programme that celebrates the ESO’s musical heritage and our history in Elgar Country. We will perform a selection of string orchestra classics – Dvořák’s beautiful Nocturne, Elgar’s famous Introduction and Allegro a...