BBC rising star and MBE soprano feature in music series at ‘majestic’ Derby venues

Classical music fans are in for a treat as critically acclaimed stars are set to perform at Derby based orchestra Sinfonia Viva concert series.

Following a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, the orchestra of East Midlands will feature performances from world class artists and the commission of a new work which will make its world premiere in the city.

Olivia Clarke, who was BBC Music Magazine’s Rising Star in 2022, will play at the The Planets concert which launches the Derby series on Wednesday October 18 at Derby Cathedral.

The orchestra will perform a programme inspired by the solar system underneath the giant artwork Museum Of The Moon, which will be suspended above the nave.

Nadine Benjamin MBE, who will sing soprano at this concert is also a regular performer at The Royal Opera House and Royal Albert Hall.

Sinfonia Viva, which celebrated its 40^th anniversary last year, has strengthened its partnership with Derby Cathedral for the 2023/2024 season in the city.

The orchestra has also re-forged its relationship with Derby Cathedral Choir and will perform for the first time at the award-winning Museum of Making as part of a new relationship with Derby Museums.

Sinfonia Viva chief executive Lucy Galliard said: “This is the first time we have programmed a Derby season since the start of the first lockdown and we are looking forward to performing at two very different but equally majestic venues.

“As the East Midlands’ only professional orchestra, we are particularly proud of our Derby roots and the support we receive in our home city.

“We regard ourselves as cultural ambassadors for Derby and applaud that this city is one of only a handful of cities in the UK which is the home to a professional orchestra.

“We look forward to welcoming back our loyal followers and, as an inclusive orchestra with a national reputation for high quality classical music, work to engage with new audiences.”

Dates you need to know for Derby Sinfonia Viva October 2023 events

Wednesday October 18

The Derby series featuring Olivia Clarke conductor and Nadine Benjamin MBE soprano will launch on Wednesday October 18 at Derby Cathedral.

The orchestra will perform a programme inspired by the solar system underneath the giant artwork Museum Of The Moon, which will be suspended above the nave.

The evening concert will start with Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music).

It will be followed by Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss and the finale of The Planets Suite by Holst.

Sunday October 22

Sinfonia Viva will showcase the afternoon family show Wait…What?! at Derby’s Museum of Making on Sunday October 22.

The BSL-interpreted interactive programme of music, dance and live animation will explore some of the biggest mysteries asked by curious children.

After the show, children can meet the musicians, explore the museum and every family will receive a book and code to download the music to enjoy at home.

Friday November 17

Sinfonia Viva will return to Museum of Making on Friday November 17 for the first afternoon concert of the season.

The programme will feature the world premiere of new work composed by the orchestra’s principal oboist Maddy Aldis-Evans which has been inspired by one of the museum’s standout exhibits, the incredible 18^th century loom.

Friday January 26

The afternoon concert series at Museum of Making on Friday January 26 will feature Mozart’s toe-tapping Gran Partita.

Recognisable melodies in the famous piece include the Adagio which has graced several iconic film and television scenes from Amadeus to The West Wing.

Saturday March 2

Sinfonia Viva will be joined by Derby Cathedral Choir on Saturday March 2 when the Cathedral’s acoustics will bring to life music by a host of celebrated composers from across the centuries and finishing with Pergolesi’s beautiful Stabat Mater.

For more information about the Derby Season and to book tickets visit their website here.