The next concert in our Kirklees Orchestral Series has been programmed by Katie Stillman, Leader of the Orchestra of Opera North. Katie explained to us how she goes about choosing the repertoire for a concert like this and what’s in store for people on Thursday 15 May at Huddersfield Town Hall.
“Programming is a wonderful part of my job at Opera North. As Leader, I’m given the opportunity to lead the orchestra without a conductor – and this means I can choose what we play!
“What I always find when directing any concert without a conductor is that it gives all the players an added level of connection. The heightened awareness that we normally have as musicians is enhanced by the opportunity to collectively discover musical ideas for ourselves. For me, that’s such an adrenaline rush and it feels really exciting.
Katie Stillman © Justin Slee
“So, about the programme! The concert includes two vibrant symphonies. The opening work by Prokofiev will have you jumping out of your seat! It is the ultimate showcase for the orchestra and is Prokofiev’s interpretation of a symphony in the traditional classical form. Concluding the concert is the more familiar Haydn ‘London Symphony’. Inspired by Haydn’s first visit to the capital, the piece is full of grandeur and charm and has a wonderfully joyous ending, finishing the evening on a high.
“Either side of the interval, we have two fantastically contrasting works by composers Robert Schumann and Anna Thorvalsdottir. Anna is Icelandic and her music is incredibly atmospheric, often inspired by landscapes and nature. Illumine, written in 2016, uses just the string section to create a colourful sound world depicting the first beams of light at dawn.
Jessica Burroughs © Lee Avison Photography
“Schumann’s Cello Concerto is the centerpiece of the concert and it’s written in a romantic style which lends well to the sonorous timbre of the cello. It’s structurally quite a challenging piece and it has this incredible intimacy between orchestra and soloist. It’s a joy to work with the orchestra’s principal cellist Jessica Burroughs. She’s a brilliant musician who I just know will draw you in, and fill the magnificent Huddersfield Town Hall with her wonderful, warm sound.
“There’s something for everyone, and I’m excited to think that there could be audience members new to classical music, or even experienced concert-goers that are hearing a piece for the first time. A directed concert brings this incredible energy which you will see, hear, and feel being passed from player to player. I’ll be sharing my thoughts about the works with you and musically there will be moments of relaxation, but also of huge drama – it is most certainly going to be an emotional experience!”
Prokofiev, Schumann & Haydn is at Huddersfield Town Hall on Thursday 15 May. There is pre-concert talk at 6.40pm, with the concert starting at 7.30pm.
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