Royal Hall concert promises a feast of 'popular classics' for Harrogate audiences

The event on Saturday, March 21 will feature a welcome return visit from a fine local soloist and good HSO friend, as well as a final musical conundrum.

Perhaps the least well-known item on the programme is the Overture, Donna Diana, by Emil von Reznicek.

Written at the end of the 19th century for his comic opera of the same name, the overture has been performed many times over the subsequent years, and even being used as a radio and TV theme in the 1950s and 60s.

Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1 will see the welcome return of renowned concert pianist Julian Saphir.

Sergei Prokofiev’s 7th Symphony was his last, completed in 1952.

The music although often quite emotionally restrained and occasionally reflective, it also features cheerfully melodic sections, particularly in the waltz-like second movement and the finale which has a choice of endings and style.

Prokofiev’s original final few bars are quiet and reflective, most unusual for the finale of a symphony.

However, he was also persuaded to write an alternative coda, more upbeat and optimistic, in order to successfully secure the competition prize.

The question is, however, which ending will the Royal Hall audience be treated to?

Led by conductor Bryan Western, Harrogate Symphony Orchestra can trace its roots back to 1931 and is one of the UK’s leading amateur orchestras.

For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.harrogateorchestra.org.uk/