Enigmatic Elgar, early Britten, a thrilling new work – and some outstanding young talent.
Britten’s Simple Symphony is surely one of his most popular works, its ‘Playful Pizzicato’ even turning up as the soundtrack to commercials. Its four movements are based on pieces Britten wrote as a precocious pre-teen, then reworked in his early twenties. Elgar’s Enigma Variations is also, possibly, his most popular work. Each variation of the theme depicts a friend of the composer’s, such as the famous ‘Nimrod’ movement - a portrait of ‘a long summer evening talk’ with August Jaeger. In between is Simcock’s new Triple Concerto, co-commission by the CBSO and composed for an exceptional trio of musicians, including CBSO Collaborative Artist Jess Gilliam on saxophone. Conductor Stephanie Childress makes her debut with the CBSO.

Elgar's Enigma Variations

Symphony Hall in Birmingham

"Does it not seem as if Mozart's works become fresher and fresher the oftener we hear them?" - Robert Schumann

EPSG:4326

Mozart's A Little Night Music

Washington Pavilion

Works to be performed include the Overture to Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 20" by Elgar, and "Danza Finale" from Ginastera's "Estancia."


Also performing will be the beginner level Preludes Orchestra under the direction of Emma Norquist. Preludes will perform "Minuet" by Handel, the Korean folk song "Arirang," and an orchestral arrangement of "Seven Nation Army" by the rock band The White Stripes.

Oregon East Symphony Youth Orchestra Spring Concert

Vert Auditorium

Study concert with ensemble conductor students under Frederik Strøvring Olsen

Study concert with ensemble conductors

The Studio Hall

Nostalgia, tributes to a homeland – and the resilience of the human spirit.
This is a deeply affecting programme, evoking loss, yearning, and a profound struggle with darkness. Weinberg’s Rhapsody is a tribute to his father’s country of birth, its folk songs ranging from solemn songs to vibrant dances. Elgar’s autumnal, haunting Cello Concerto was composed in the shattered aftermath of World War I, and could easily be an elegy for a lost world. Shostakovich’s Symphony No.10 is, for the most part, a howl of anguish – or possibly a cathartic release after the death of Stalin. Yet the final blast is a moment of spectacular triumph.

Edvard Elgar

Events

Upcoming events

Dec 2, 2026

Elgar's Cello Concerto · City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Sep 30, 2026

Elgar's Enigma Variations · City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Jan 24, 2026

Mozart's A Little Night Music · South Dakota Symphony Orchestra

About

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