John Gibbons

Simon Zhu

Worthing Symphony Orchestra

### Event Description: Liberation Concert

**Date and Time:** Sunday, 12 November 2023, 2:45 PM  
**Venue:** Assembly Hall, Worthing  
**Conductor:** John Gibbons  
**Leader:** Julian Leaper  

**Program:**
- **Sibelius - Finlandia**
- **Bernard Stevens - Symphony of Liberation**
- **Dvorak - Violin Concerto**
- **Sibelius - Symphony No. 2 in D major**

**Featured Soloist:** Simon Zhu, Violin

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of music at the Assembly Hall in Worthing, featuring the theme of "Liberation." The concert will be conducted by John Gibbons with Julian Leaper as the leader. The program includes:

- **Sibelius' Finlandia:** An iconic symbol of Finnish national pride and liberation.
- **Bernard Stevens' Symphony of Liberation:** Awarded first prize in the 1945 Daily Express Victory Music competition, this piece was premiered by Sir Malcolm Sargent and has been performed by notable conductors such as Sir John Barbirolli and Charles Groves.
- **Dvorak's Violin Concerto:** Performed by the brilliant young violinist Simon Zhu, a major prizewinner at the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition. This concerto is known for its beautiful slow movement and lively dance finale.
- **Sibelius' Symphony No. 2 in D major:** Known for its uplifting conclusion, this symphony is a powerful expression of hope and deliverance from tyranny.

**About Simon Zhu:**
Simon Zhu is a rising star in the classical music world, recognized for his versatile repertoire and exceptional talent. Born in Tübingen, Germany, in 2001, Simon has won numerous prestigious awards, including First Prize at the 13th International Georg Philipp Telemann Competition and the 34th International Violin Competition Valsesia Musica. He has performed with renowned orchestras such as the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields and the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. Simon currently studies with Prof Ana Chumachenco at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Munich and performs on a fine old Montagnana violin, generously loaned by the Florian Leonhard Fellowship.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience a powerful and moving concert that celebrates the theme of liberation through the works of Sibelius, Stevens, and Dvorak.

**[Buy Tickets](#)**

For more information, visit [Simon Zhu's official website](http://www.simonzhu-violin.com).