Iconic film music will reverberate around the City Hall when the Hull Philharmonic plays a programme of requested music next month.
The February 26 concert features John Williams’ Jurassic Park, Hans Zimmer’s The Lion King and Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission, taking the audience on a journey through some of the most popular soundtracks of the 20th century. John Williams’ Summon the Heroes written for the 1996 Summer Olympics will also be played.
And in a late addition to the varied and popular programme, the audience will be treated to Stephen Sondheim’s Send in the Clowns performed by local singer Sarah Lucy Penny. The American composer and lyricist, one of the most important figures in musical theatre, died in November 2021.
The concert also features some of the best-loved classical music, including Rossini’s Overture from the Thieving Magpie, Vaughan William’s The Wasps, Elgar’s Chanson de Matin and Arturo Marquez’ Danzón No 2.
Musical Director Andrew Penny, who is to retire at the end of this season after a 40-year tenure with the orchestra, said:
“As a gift to our players and supporters in my final year conducting the Hull Philharmonic, I invited them to choose the music. The result is a hugely popular and varied programme which has broad appeal.”
The orchestra will also welcome back Harry Kneeshaw in a performance of Max Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy. Beverley-born Harry, who is currently studying the violin at London’s Royal Academy of Music, was the youngest member of the National Youth Orchestra when he joined at the age of 13 in 2015.
“Harry played with the orchestra as an even younger violin soloist a few years ago. He is at the beginning of an exciting career, and it will be a pleasure to accompany him in this rarely heard masterpiece,” said Andrew.
“This programme will thrill both classical music aficionados and newcomers, and we welcome all to be part of what promises to be a truly enjoyable experience. The common theme running through the choices is that it is all great music, and to hear it live will be exciting and memorable.”
Andrew Penny’s final official concert is on May 14 when the orchestra will play Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, Elgar’s Enigma Variations and Brahms’ Symphony Number 4.
Sarah Lucy Penny is Andrew and Helga Penny’s daughter. She is currently musical director of Hessle Theatre Company as they rehearse Shrek: The Musical, which means for a brief overlapping few months, two major societies in the town will have been directed by members of one family.
Sarah Lucy studied at Napier University in Edinburgh and as a postgraduate at York University. Her diverse career as soloist, ensemble singer, choir trainer and musical director has led her from tutoring the National Youth Choir of Great Britain to recording film scores at Abbey Road and Maida Vale. She is currently a member of the East Riding Music Service.
The concert starts at 7.30 and is preceded by a pre-concert talk which is free to ticket holders. Tickets are priced from £10 – £28.50. Concessions are available. Please visit Hull Box Office https://www.hulltheatres.co.uk/events/hull-philharmonic-orchestra-february-2022
